01Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
 - 1 onion, chopped
 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
 - 4 cups broccoli florets
 - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
 - 1 cup milk
 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
 - Salt and pepper to taste
 
02Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
 - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
 - Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
 - Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
 - Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and be careful as the soup will be hot.
 - Return the soup to the pot and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
 - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 - Serve hot and enjoy!
 
03Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, you can add cooked bacon or ham to the soup.
 - If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup completely.
 - You can also add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower to the soup for added nutrients and flavor.
 - To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon or ham.
 - For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the soup.
 - Garnish the soup with additional shredded cheddar cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
 
Conclusion
Making broccoli cheddar soup at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting and creamy soup. Whether it's for a cozy dinner or as a starter for a dinner party, this homemade soup is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!
| Methods | Details | 
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Melt butter and sauté onion and garlic. | 
| Step 2 | Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes. | 
| Step 3 | Pour in broth and simmer until broccoli is tender. | 
| Step 4 | Puree soup until smooth. | 
| Step 5 | Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese. | 
| Step 6 | Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot. |