BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a super hearty and satisfying meal, totally hitting the spot with its yummy taste.

You’re gonna love how smooth it is combined with a great mix of sharp cheddar and tender broccoli.

I always find that using freshly grated cheddar makes a noticeable difference in how it tastes and the way it feels.

Start by melting butter and cooking onion until it’s soft, which sets the stage for developing rich flavor.

How to Make BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp Butter
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 2 Carrots (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour
• 3 cups Chicken Broth
• 4 cups Broccoli Florets
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Half-and-Half
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the onion, carrots, and garlic.

Cook until they are tender, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2:

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly.

Cook until it’s golden, around 3 to 4 minutes.

Gradually add in the chicken broth, whisking as you pour.

Add the bay leaves.

Step 3:

Stir in the broccoli florets and let them simmer.

Cover the pot and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 4:

Remove the bay leaves.

Then, add the milk and half-and-half into the mixture.

Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

Step 5:

Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Fresh Cheddar

Using fresh, high-quality cheese really makes a difference in the soup’s flavor and texture!

Sharper cheddar intensifies the taste, so don’t shy away from bold flavors.

Simmer Gently

When you add milk or half-and-half, keep the heat medium to low.

Excess heat may cause curdling, and gentle stirring helps maintain a smooth soup.

Enhance with Spices

Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for some extra flavor.

These spices lend a warmth that complements the cheese.

Adjust Broccoli Texture

If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree part of the mixture.

This step helps blend the flavors finely while keeping some chunks for texture.

Enjoy the process and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness you’ve created!

What to Serve with BJ’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pretzel Bread

Pretzel bread is an absolute classic when served with broccoli cheddar soup.

Its soft texture and slightly salty crust make it a perfect complement to the rich flavors.

You can use it for dipping or even as a bread bowl for something different.

Grilled Caprese Panini

A grilled Caprese panini adds a unique twist to your soup meal.

The fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil paired with melty mozzarella are simply awesome.

Adding a touch of balsamic vinegar brings everything together beautifully.

Crusty Baguette

A crusty baguette is always a safe bet when you’re unsure.

With its firm texture, it’s ideal for dunking into the creamy goodness of the soup.

Pairing it with a light white wine enhances the experience even more.

Roasted Asparagus

For something a bit different, try roasted asparagus alongside your soup.

The earthy, roasted flavor contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the cheddar.

It’s a nutritious option that won’t overpower the main dish.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a fun and unexpected pairing with broccoli cheddar soup.

Their natural sweetness adds a delicious contrast.

Bake them until they’re crispy for the perfect texture to accompany this hearty soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Broccoli and Cauliflower Blend

You might enjoy combining broccoli with cauliflower for a mild complement to the cheddar cheese.

The milder taste of cauliflower pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious dish.

Spicy Kick

To add some heat, try including red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

This addition offers a spicy edge to the creamy soup, perfect for those who love a little spice.

Adding Carrots

Incorporating shredded carrots introduces sweetness and a vibrant hue to the soup.

Carrots not only enhance flavor but also boost the nutritional content, making the dish wholesome.

Nutritional Yeast

If you’re looking to decrease the amount of cheese, sprinkle a bit of nutritional yeast.

It provides a cheesy flavor without adding extra calories or dairy, which some might prefer.

How to Store Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When it comes to storing your leftover broccoli cheddar soup, it’s essential to use the right methods.

First, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

This helps maintain the texture and flavor.

Once cooled, pour the soup into an airtight container, allowing at least an inch of space at the top.

Seal the container tightly to prevent any unwanted odors from infiltrating the soup.

In the fridge, you can keep the soup fresh for 3 to 5 days, depending on how quickly you refrigerate it.

Freezing Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For longer storage, consider freezing the soup.

Transfer the soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving space at the top for expansion.

This technique can preserve the soup for up to three months without compromising much on its flavor.

Thawing and Using Later

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator to thaw slowly.

Thawing this way helps maintain the soup’s original texture.

Remember not to let it sit out at room temperature for too long!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Broccoli

When you’re making Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you definitely don’t want to overcook the broccoli.

You should aim for tender pieces that still have a bit of bite.

If the broccoli becomes too mushy, the soup might lose its wonderful texture.

Adding Cheese Too Quickly

Adding the cheese too fast can really doom your soup by making it grainy.

You should lower the heat and stir in the cheese slowly to ensure it melts evenly.

This will give your soup a creamy consistency and make it taste amazing!

Over-Thickening the Soup

It’s important not to go overboard with thickeners in this classic soup.

The soup should be thick but still pourable, not concrete!

A little extra liquid, like broth or milk, can adjust the consistency if needed.