McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

Intro

Some soups have the power to embrace you. One of them is the Cheddar Broccoli Soup by McAlister, in my opinion. You have that experience when it is cold outside, and you are covered with a warm blanket, and something warm and dairy is much better than it is. Yep – this soup is that in a bowl.

The McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe is a creamy and thick soup that is rich in the sharp cheddar taste, and there are small pieces of tender broccoli sprinkled inside each spoonful. It is comfort food, all right, but it is also the kind of food one feels like a culinary genius when he or she prepares at home.

What is the McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup?

You have likely encountered this golden beauty in McAlisters Deli every time you went there in their bread bowls, warm, smooth and cheesy satisfaction. There is a reason why their Cheddar Broccoli Soup is famous.

It is a smooth combination of tender broccoli florets, soft milk and sharp cheddar cheese and it is all made creamy with a sprinkle of roux (butter and flour mixed together so that the whole thing is luscious). Its balance is its special feature, though it is neither too cheesy nor heavy-handed. It is full, but warm, homely.

This McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe lets that goodness go home. It is served on toasted baguette slices, a sourdough bread bowl, or even topped with a grilled cheese sandwich as your final comfy meal.

The History of My Introduction to This.

Well, this is how it occurred: I went out on errands running on a cold fall day, and I dashed into a McAlisters to warm myself up. I was not very hungry, but I watched a person pass by with a bread bowl fully loaded with the golden creamy soup, and I could not resist.

A spoonful more, and I was addicted. It was not greasy but cheesy, creamy, though it had the right amount of broccoli bits to give it some texture. It was love at first bite.

When I reached home, I realized that I was to reproduce it. And, after some attempts (a lot of cheddar) I eventually hit the golden mean of the homemade variant.

Equipment List

To prepare this McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe, you do not have to be fancy; you only have to have a few ingredients in the kitchen:

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• immersion blender (not necessary, but just wonderful to make it creamy)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• knife and cutting board, Sharp.

Ingredients

All you will need to make this cheesy dream a reality is the following:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets ( sliced into small pieces)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter without salt.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (more to garnish, too)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (not necessary, but it is warming)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (to add a touch of smokiness)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

The butter should be melted in a large pot on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds; no longer.

Step 2: Build the Roux

Add the flour and stir continuously after a span of 2 minutes. This is your thickener! It will enrich the soup and make it velvety. The blend will be somewhat paste-like – that is not at all unusual.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Add slowly the chicken broth and you do not need lumps so you have to do it gradually. Add the cut broccoli, then simmer, then cook uncovered and after approximately 10-12 minutes, the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Blend It (Optional)

Unless you want your soup to be absolutely smooth, purée it a little, only partially using an immersion blender. Keep some chunks of broccoli for the texture.

Step 5: Add Dairy and Cheese

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add milk and cream very slowly and stir it. Next, put shredded cheddar cheese in handfuls and stir until it is smooth and melted.

Step 6: Season to Perfection

Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Add salt and taste according to taste – each cheese is salty to a different degree.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Pour the soup into bowls, sprinkling over it a little more cheddar, and serve with hot bread or crackers.

Perfect Cheddar Broccoli Soup tips.

• Block cheese (not pre-shredded) must be used. Anti-caking agents are added to pre-shredded cheese, which makes your soup grainy.
• Don’t boil after you have put cheese. Excessive heat leads to curdling of the cheese, stick to low and soft.
• Use fresh broccoli. Frozen, but fresh is that, and you give it a delicious bite.
• Make it vegetarian. Replace chicken broth with veggie broth – with identical magic!
• Want a kick? Fresh pinch of cayenne or red pepper.

Serving Ideas

This soup loves good company! Try serving it with:

• Fresh, crispy bread or toasted garlic.
• A side salad with vinegar vinaigrette.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches (a standard combo)
• Deli style – Sourdough bread bowls.
• Sprinkle of bacon bits or croutons on top.

Homemade versus Restaurant-Bought.

The iconic version is by McAlister, though, it brings so much gratification to prepare this soup at home. The homemade McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe provides you with all the options, you can make it as being as thick as possible, add more cheese and even hide some extra vegetables.

And the bonus is that you get that fresh out of the stove smell in your kitchen that you will never get when you have a takeout cup. The convenience may go to the restaurant version; however, the homemade version prevails in all instances in terms of comfort, taste, and love.

Frequently Asked Questions about the McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe

Q1: Can I freeze this soup?

Sure, you can–but it being cream-based, it might get a little way to pieces when put back on. Heat it gradually and stir thoroughly to get it back together.

Q2: What type of cheese is the best one?

It is traditional sharp cheddar although a mixture of cheddar and Gouda or Colby Jack makes it even creamier.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli in this McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply thaw and drain it prior to adding to the soup lest it waters down the base.

Q4: How do I make it gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickening product such as cornstarch or a gluten-free blend of flours.

Q5: How long does it take in the fridge?

It can be kept beautifully for a period of 4 days in an airtight container.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Keep old soup in the refrigerator in a closed container.
• Reheat in low heat with a splash of milk in case of excessive thickening.
• Do not microwave at high power, or the cheese bottom will separate.

Final Thoughts

One of those dishes that satisfies all criteria is the McAlister’s Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe: warm, comfortable, cheesy and surprisingly uncomplicated to prepare. It is a bowl of happiness on rainy nights, lazy Sundays, or anytime life requires the added comfort.

Prepare it once and it will turn out to be a meal that everybody orders a second serving of, I vow.

More Soup Recipes:

• Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup Recipe
• Frisch’s Vegetable Soup Recipe
• Moosewood Gypsy Soup Recipe