Creamy Spicy Broccoli-Cheddar Delight
Transform your chilly evenings into warm, comforting moments with this Creamy Spicy Broccoli-Cheddar Delight! This soup brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh broccoli and the richness of two gourmet cheeses, Fontina and sharp white cheddar. Enhanced with a touch of cayenne for heat and fresh thyme for an aromatic touch, this one-pot wonder is not only quick to prepare but also keto-friendly. Perfect for meal prep, this satisfying soup can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week, making it the ideal back-pocket recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
4
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Onion
1 large (coarsely chopped (white or sweet))
Kosher Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Broccoli Florets
1 lb (coarsely chopped with 2-inch stems)
Fresh Thyme
4 sprigs (plus leaves for serving)
Low Sodium Chicken Broth
3 cups
Heavy Cream
1/3 cup
Fontina Cheese
3 ounces (coarsely grated (1/2 cup packed))
Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
4 ounces (coarsely grated (1 cup packed, more for serving))
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
for serving (drizzle)
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Wait for the foam to subside before adding the coarsely chopped onion. Season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Sauté the onions for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and begin to caramelize at the edges.
3
Stir in the cayenne pepper, allowing it to toast for 30 seconds until fragrant, infusing the onions with a subtle heat.
4
Add the coarsely chopped broccoli florets, fresh thyme sprigs, and low sodium chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 7 minutes or until the broccoli is just tender.
5
Incorporate the heavy cream into the soup, then use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
6
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the grated Fontina and sharp white cheddar cheeses. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the cheeses are completely melted and the soup is warm and creamy.
7
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle the soup into serving bowls, garnishing each with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Enjoy your delicious and hearty soup!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
3g
Carbs
9g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Broccoli-Cheddar Delight?
It is a comforting one-pot soup made with fresh broccoli, Fontina and sharp white cheddar cheeses, enhanced with cayenne pepper and fresh thyme.
Is this broccoli cheddar soup keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 3g of carbohydrates per serving, this soup is designed to be keto-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary cheeses used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of Fontina cheese and 4 ounces of sharp white cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving of this soup?
Each serving provides 9g of protein.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, there is 1g of fiber per serving.
What makes this broccoli cheddar soup spicy?
The addition of 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper provides a subtle, warming heat.
What type of broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How do I achieve a creamy texture?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of heavy cream and an immersion blender to blend the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions for about 7 minutes until they are translucent and begin to caramelize.
What type of onion is recommended?
You can use either a large white or sweet onion, coarsely chopped.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme sprigs are recommended for the best aroma, you can use dried thyme in smaller quantities if necessary.
How long does it take to cook the broccoli?
The broccoli florets should be simmered in the broth for about 7 minutes or until just tender.
When should I add the cheese to the soup?
Gradually stir in the grated cheeses at the end, over low heat, after the soup has been blended.
Is this a one-pot recipe?
Yes, this is a one-pot wonder designed for quick preparation and easy cleanup.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish each bowl with fresh thyme leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be easily stored and enjoyed throughout the week, making it perfect for meal planning.
What kind of butter is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with a low sodium vegetable broth.
Do I need to peel the broccoli stems?
The recipe suggests using florets with 2-inch stems, which are blended into the soup, so peeling is generally not required if they are tender.
Why use an immersion blender?
An immersion blender allows you to puree the soup directly in the pot, creating a smooth, creamy texture without the need to transfer hot liquids.
Is sharp white cheddar necessary?
Sharp white cheddar provides a robust flavor that complements the Fontina, but you can use standard sharp cheddar if needed.
How much broccoli do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of coarsely chopped broccoli florets.
Should I season the soup at the beginning or end?
Season the onions initially with salt and pepper, and then adjust the seasoning again to taste at the very end.
What is the role of Fontina cheese?
Fontina is a gourmet cheese that adds a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to the soup's smooth, velvety texture.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of heavy cream.
Is extra-virgin olive oil necessary?
The olive oil is used as a finishing drizzle to add a final layer of richness and flavor before serving.
What heat setting should be used for melting the cheese?
Use low heat and stir constantly to ensure the cheeses melt smoothly without separating.