Broccoli cheddar soup is one of the most popular soup recipes out there. It is easy to make and is made from an assortment of ingredients like broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream, and butter. But the real question is: what should you eat broccoli cheddar soup with?
One way to enjoy broccoli cheddar soup is with a simple slice of bread or a dinner roll. This can be used to scoop up the soup, or you can dip the bread into the soup. It’s both delicious and simple. Another option would be to pair the soup with a salad. Depending on the type of salad you like, you could either have a traditional green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables or a more “summery” type of salad such as a pasta salad with vegetables, feta and kalamata olives.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, you can always pair the broccoli cheddar soup with a sandwich. You could opt for a classic ham and cheese, turkey and Swiss, or even a grilled cheese. The key is to make sure your sandwich isn’t too overpowering. You don’t want to detract from the dish itself, so picking something simple and light is best.
With any of these options, you can also opt for some extra ‘flavour’ to your soup. You could sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of your sandwich, or add olive oil and crushed garlic for some extra punch. You could also add some diced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
For even more flavour, you can also mix in some cooked diced potatoes, sweet corn, peas, or even cooked shredded chicken into the soup. This makes for a more substantial and filling meal that’s perfect for the colder months. Just make sure you’re not adding too much as it can make the soup too heavy.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more unique to enjoy with your broccoli cheddar soup, why not try making some garlic Parmesan cheese toast? It’s super easy and gives the soup an extra boost of flavour. All you need to do is spread softened butter on a slice of bread and sprinkle with garlic powder, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the slice in a preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes and enjoy.
Making a Grilled Cheese Sandwich to Go with Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious accompaniment to broccoli cheddar soup. Not only is it easy to make, but it provides an added crunch that pairs well with the smooth and creamy soup. To get the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, start by buttering the outside of two slices of bread. Place your preferred cheese in between the slices and butter the top of the sandwich.
Add a bit of oil to your pan and bring the heat up to medium. Place the sandwich in the pan, butter side down, and cook for about two minutes until the cheese is melted and the outside golden and crisp. Flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional two minutes, and you’ll have a delicious grilled cheese sandwich to go with your soup.
Another option is to make a sourdough grilled cheese. This type of bread has a tangier flavor that pairs well with the creamy soup. To prepare the sandwich, simply toast two slices of sourdough and spread your choice of cheese on the toast. Butter the top of the sandwich and cook for two minutes on each side, just like you would with a regular grilled cheese.
However, you can also get fancy with your grilled cheese sandwich. Add a bit of garlic powder or diced jalapenos to give the sandwich an added kick. You can also incorporate some herbs or a sprinkle of cayenne to make your sandwich truly special.
Using Croutons to Add Texture to the Soup
Another way to turn your broccoli cheddar soup up a notch is to add in some crunchy croutons to the mix. Croutons are a great way to add texture and flavor to your dish, and are perfect for scooping up every last delicious bite of broccoli cheddar soup.
To start, cut up some stale bread into small cubes. Spread a few tablespoons of oil in a baking dish and add in the cubes. Add a bit of salt, pepper, and dried herbs such as oregano or basil for flavor. Give the cubes a toss and spread them evenly in the baking dish. Bake in the oven until golden and crisp.
You can either add the croutons to the soup right before serving, or you can have them as a side. They’re also great for dipping into the soup or served along with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Adding Bacon Bits for that Extra Oomph
Another way to really elevate your broccoli cheddar soup is by adding bacon bits. All you need to do is fry up some bacon in a pan until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool, and then crumble it into small pieces.
Once the bacon is cooled and crumbled, you can either sprinkle it in the soup or have it as an optional topping for those who want an extra oomph. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon will take your soup to the next level.
Trying Out Different Types of Cheese
A great way to experiment with your broccoli cheddar soup is by trying out different types of cheese. Cheddar is a great base for any cheese, but there are plenty of other varieties to choose from. For example, try out some gruyère, Gouda, Havarti, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese. All of these will provide an added richness to the soup and will make it that much more delicious.
You can also try out some creamy goat cheese to add an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in some blue cheese crumbles for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless when it comes to experimenting with different cheeses for your broccoli cheddar soup.
Using Cream to Add a Silky Texture
For a silky texture and added decadence, you can use cream in your broccoli cheddar soup. All you need to do is replace some of the broth that the soup is cooked in with cream. This will give the soup a rich and silky texture that is sure to satisfy.
If you don’t want to use cream, you could also try adding some light cream cheese or sour cream. Both of these will make your soup creamy and delicious. Just make sure you don’t add too much as it can make the soup too heavy.
Adding Vegetables to Make It a Hearty Meal
If you’re looking to make broccoli cheddar soup a bit heartier, you can always add in some vegetables. For an extra boost of nutrients, try adding some shredded carrots, diced potatoes, sweet corn, or peas. These will add some extra flavor and texture to the soup, making it a complete meal.
You can also try adding some cooked and diced chicken for some extra protein. Or try incorporating some roasted broccoli for an interesting flavor profile. The options are endless when it comes to adding vegetables to broccoli cheddar soup.
Making a Pot of Broccoli Cheddar Soup Your Own
Broccoli cheddar soup is a crowd favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make, hearty, and delicious. But the best part is that you can customize it however you’d like. Experiment with different types of cheese, mix in some vegetables, or add some bacon bits for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making a pot of broccoli cheddar soup your own.
