The aroma of Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds as you imagine creamy cheese mingling with tender broccoli. Each spoonful promises a warm hug on a chilly day, making it the ultimate comfort food that feels like a cozy blanket wrapped around your soul.

Imagine serving this delightful dish on a rainy afternoon or at a gathering where laughter fills the room and everyone is craving something heartwarming. As you take that first bite, the joyful crunch of sourdough croutons gives way to velvety soup, creating an explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s not just soup; it’s a memory waiting to happen.

Why You'll Love This Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons

This incredible Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons:

Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets for maximum flavor and nutrition; they should be firm and free from yellowing.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for aged cheddar for a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the soup to gourmet status.
Onion: A medium yellow onion works best, providing sweetness and depth to your soup base.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add zesty flavor; don’t skimp on them unless you’re fighting off vampires!
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to keep control over the saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.
Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream at the end for added creaminess and a slight tang that brightens up the dish.
Sourdough Bread: Day-old sourdough bread makes perfect croutons; they should be crusty for satisfying crunch!

For the Croutons:

Olive Oil: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over your cubed bread before baking for an irresistible golden crisp.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping the fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic while trying not to cry—unless it’s from excitement!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant—about five minutes—while dreaming of how good this soup will taste.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Broth

Stir in the chopped broccoli, followed by vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil then reduce heat to let it simmer for about ten minutes until broccoli is tender but still vibrantly green.

Step 4: Blend It Up

Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth while trying not to splatter it all over yourself—trust me, it’s not fun! If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches into a regular blender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Sour Cream

Return your blended soup to low heat. Gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted blissfully into every crevice of your creamy mixture. Finish off by stirring in sour cream for an ultra-luxe texture.

Step 6: Make Your Croutons

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube stale sourdough bread and toss it with olive oil before spreading onto a baking sheet. Bake for about ten minutes until golden brown and crunchy—perfectly satisfying!

Serve hot with croutons sprinkled on top for added texture and crunch! Enjoy every spoonful of this amazing Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons as laughter fills your kitchen!

You Must Know About Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons

This showstopping Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add your broccoli and stock. While that’s simmering, grate the cheese and prepare your croutons. This sequence ensures everything is ready to blend smoothly when you’re ready to serve.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons by adding spices like nutmeg or cayenne for a kick. Swap out the cheddar for Gruyère or add some cooked bacon for added flavor. Your soup, your rules!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid separation and maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons

This professional-quality Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes my friends say my Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons tastes like a warm hug on a cold day, which is pretty much the highest compliment I could receive!

FAQs

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy sourdough croutons. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and can be served as a starter or main course. The addition of sourdough croutons adds a delightful crunch, complementing the smooth texture of the soup. This dish not only warms the body but also satisfies the taste buds with its rich flavors.

How do I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons?

To make Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons, start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until fragrant. Add chopped broccoli and broth, then simmer until the broccoli is tender. Blend the mixture until smooth, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. For the croutons, cube sourdough bread and toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and seasoning before baking until golden brown. Serve the soup hot, topped with the crunchy croutons for added texture.

Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons?

Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons. However, it is best to freeze the soup without the croutons to maintain their crunchiness. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Prepare fresh croutons just before serving for an optimal experience.

What are some variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

There are many delicious variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup that you can try. You might add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrients. Incorporating spices such as nutmeg or cayenne pepper can enhance the flavor profile. Additionally, you could substitute different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Conclusion

In summary, Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Sourdough Croutons offers a delightful blend of creamy textures and rich flavors that are hard to resist. This dish is easy to prepare and can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a warm meal on a cold day or served at gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Don’t forget those crunchy sourdough croutons—they truly elevate this comforting soup!