Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon and Scallions (42 Minutes)

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Indulge in a bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup, rich in flavor and topped with crispy bacon and fresh scallions. This comforting classic combines the earthy taste of broccoli with the creamy, sharp bite of cheddar cheese. The added crunch of bacon and the zesty kick of scallions make each spoonful an irresistible treat. Ready to dive in?

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 32 minutes
  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 strips of bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Scallions, sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon (10 minutes): In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): Add butter to the pot with bacon grease. Sauté the onion and garlic in the mixture until translucent.
  3. Make Roux (2 minutes): Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic, and stir to form a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  4. Add Liquids (1 minute): Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and half-and-half while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
  5. Cook Broccoli and Carrot (15 minutes): Add the broccoli florets and julienned carrot to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
  6. Blend Soup (Optional, 5 minutes): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Add Cheese (2 minutes): Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish and Serve (2 minutes): Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon and sliced scallions.

Notes

This broccoli cheddar soup, garnished with the indulgent flavors of bacon and scallions, is perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something hearty yet simple to make. The soup is versatile enough to serve as a starter or a main dish and pairs well with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Croutons

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab some stale bread (anything you've got works, from baguette to whole grain) and cut it into cubes. In a big mixing bowl, drizzle those bread cubes with olive oil. Sprinkle on your choice of seasonings; garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper are classics. Toss everything together so the bread is well-coated. Spread the cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, but remember to give 'em a stir halfway through for even browning. Once they're golden and crisp, let them cool off a bit. Enjoy!

Caesar Side Salad

Start with fresh romaine lettuce—tear it into bite-sized pieces and toss it into a bowl. Drizzle on some Caesar dressing; you can make your own with garlic, anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, or use a store-bought version for convenience. Give the lettuce a good toss to ensure it's well-coated. Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese for that sharp, savory punch. Top it off with croutons for that essential crunch. If you're feeling a bit fancy, a couple of anchovy fillets can be added on top. Serve immediately.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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