Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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In my kitchen, the simmering pots are a beacon of warmth, and today, they’re brimming with a classic concoction that feels like a cozy sweater for your soul: Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Deb Perelman, the culinary maestro behind Smitten Kitchen, has a knack for transforming simple ingredients into symphonies of flavor, and her Broccoli Cheddar Soup is no exception.

How to make Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular recipe from the food blog Smitten Kitchen, created by Deb Perelman. It’s a creamy, comforting soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, onions, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole or 2% milk or half-and-half for a richer soup
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (using vegetable broth makes it vegetarian)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 heads broccoli, stems removed and florets chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced (optional for added color and sweetness)
• 2 1/2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Your Vegetables: In a large, heavy pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes. This process cooks the flour and creates a roux, which will thicken your soup.
3. Whisk in the Dairy: Gradually add the milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture), constantly whisking to combine it smoothly with the roux. Keep whisking; no lumps should be in sight.
4. Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, the bay leaf, grated nutmeg, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a low simmer and keep it there. It’s essential to avoid boiling after adding the dairy to prevent curdling.
5. Cook the Broccoli and Carrot: Add the chopped broccoli florets and sliced carrot to the pot. Cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky or transfer portions of the soup to a blender to puree, then mix it back in with the rest of the soup.
7. Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a little more grated cheddar cheese, and if you’re feeling extra, a light sprinkle of smoked paprika for color and depth.

Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

• Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheddar for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts in the soup.
• Vegetable Proportions: Feel free to adjust the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables like cauliflower for variation.
• Consistency: For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or milk used. For a thinner soup, simply add more liquid until your desired consistency is reached.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep.

What to serve with

When you serve Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’re dishing out a classic comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. You can pair it with various sides to complement this dish and round out the meal.

Bread

1. Crusty Bread

Why It Works: The soup’s creamy texture pairs wonderfully with the crisp crust and soft inside of freshly baked bread. Use the bread to scoop up the soup or soak up the last drizzles in your bowl.

Suggestions: A baguette or sourdough loaf, warmed in the oven, makes an excellent choice.

2. Garlic Bread

Why It Works: Garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch and aromatic lift that complements the rich cheese and broccoli flavors.

How to Serve: Slice a baguette or any preferred bread, slather with garlic butter, and bake until golden for a delightful side.

Sandwiches

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Why It Works: Doubling down on cheese with a grilled cheese sandwich creates a heavenly match for the soup.

Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or a slice of tomato for an extra layer of flavor.

2. Ham and Swiss Sandwich

Why It Works: The saltiness of the ham balances the creamy sweetness of the soup, making each bite satisfying.

Tip: Serve the sandwich warm to melt the Swiss cheese slightly and to complement the warmth of the soup.

Salads

1. Green Salad

Why It Works: A light, vibrant green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the creamy, dense Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Ingredients: Mix greens like arugula or spinach, add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple balsamic dressing.

2. Apple Walnut Salad

Why It Works: The sweet crunch of apples and the earthy tones of walnuts add depth and freshness to balance the hearty Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Dressing Tips: A honey mustard dressing or a simple lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the salad and soup beautifully.

Snacks

1. Roasted Vegetables

Why It Works: Roasting vegetables like peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes intensifies their flavors, offering a sweet and savory balance to the meal.

Serving Tip: Serve them warm or at room temperature for a light but flavorful addition.

2. Soft Pretzels

Why It Works: The chewy texture and subtle sweetness of soft pretzels make them a fun and fulfilling complement.

Extra Touch: Serve with a small bowl of mustard or cheese dip for extra indulgence.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup, certain ingredients might require substitution either for dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply due to availability.

Broccoli

1. Cauliflower

Substitution: Cauliflower can replace broccoli in equal amounts. It offers a similar texture but with a slightly different, milder flavor.

Preparation: Roast or steam the cauliflower before adding it to the soup for a deeper flavor.

2. Spinach

Substitution: Spinach can be used, particularly if you want a different flavor profile or have spinach at hand.

Preparation: Because spinach cooks much faster than broccoli, add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Cheddar Cheese

1. Gruyère Cheese

Substitution: Gruyère is a good substitute for a smoother melt and a nutty flavor.

Preparation: Grate the cheese before adding it to the soup to ensure it melts evenly.

2. Vegan Cheese

Substitution: There are many vegan cheeses available that can mimic the flavor of cheddar. Look for a good melting variety.

Preparation: Add vegan cheese gradually and keep the soup on a lower heat to avoid separating.

Chicken Broth

1. Vegetable Broth

Substitution: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version without altering the flavor profile significantly.

Preparation: Use it in the same ratio as chicken broth.

2. Beef Broth

Substitution: Beef broth can provide a more robust flavor.

Preparation: This can be a direct replacement for chicken broth, used in the same quantities.

Cream

1. Full-Fat Coconut Milk

Substitution: Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative that adds a creamy texture.

Preparation: Use canned full-fat coconut milk for the best texture.

2. Cashew Cream

Substitution: Cashew cream made from soaked cashews blended with water until smooth can be a nutritious and creamy addition.

Preparation: Blend until very smooth and creamy before adding to the soup.

Butter

1. Olive Oil

Substitution: Olive oil can be used for sautéing in place of butter and offers a healthier fat option.

Preparation: Use the same amount as butter for sautéing onions or other base vegetables.

2. Vegan Butter

Substitution: Vegan butter can be a direct substitute for butter for those avoiding dairy.

Preparation: Use in the same way as regular butter for cooking.

Onion

1. Leeks

Substitution: Leeks can provide a more subtle, sweet flavor.

Preparation: Use only the white and light green parts, slice thinly, and wash thoroughly to remove dirt.

2. Shallots

Substitution: Shallots are another excellent alternative, providing a milder flavor.

Preparation: Use a similar weight of shallots to the amount of onion called for, finely chopped.

Final Thoughts

With these instructions and tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a bowl (or two) of comforting, homemade Smitten Kitchen’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup. 

More Soup Recipes:

• Copycat Pioneer Woman Potato Soup Recipe
• Feel Good Foods Chicken Soup Dumplings
• Ghost Pepper Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe