Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food, beloved for its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Whether you’re making a homemade batch from scratch or enjoying a pre-made version, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own. However, finding the perfect side dish can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. If you’re wondering “What To Serve With Broccoli Cheddar Soup,” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 10 quick and easy side dishes that pair wonderfully with this creamy soup, ensuring a balanced and delightful meal.
Overhead view of a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with shredded cheese
Finding the ideal accompaniment to broccoli cheddar soup involves considering flavors and textures that complement, rather than compete with, the soup’s inherent richness. You’ll want sides that offer a contrast – perhaps some crispiness, acidity, or a different flavor profile – to prevent the meal from feeling too heavy or monotonous. This guide will walk you through ten fantastic options, from classic bread pairings to lighter fruit salads and more substantial meat and vegetable dishes.
Understanding the Best Cheese for Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Before diving into side dishes, it’s worth briefly touching upon what makes broccoli cheddar soup so delicious in the first place – the cheese! The best cheeses for melting into soup are those with a lower melting point. Think varieties like medium to sharp cheddar, fontina, Gruyere, and Swiss. Sharp cheddar is particularly favored in broccoli cheddar soup recipes because it offers a robust flavor that stands up nicely without overpowering the subtle taste of the broccoli.
For the smoothest, creamiest soup, freshly grated cheese is always recommended. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. However, in a pinch, pre-shredded cheese will certainly work.
Addressing Common Soup Concerns: Graininess and Curdling
Nobody wants a grainy or curdled soup! Thankfully, these issues are easily avoidable. The key is to add dairy and cheese with care. When incorporating half-and-half, do so gradually while stirring the soup gently. Similarly, add the shredded cheese little by little, allowing each addition to melt fully into the soup before adding more. This slow and steady approach ensures a velvety smooth texture.
What Goes Into a Delicious Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
A classic broccoli cheddar soup typically includes simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Butter: For sautéing vegetables and creating a flavorful base.
- Onion, Celery, and Carrots: The aromatic vegetable base that builds depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a roux, thickening the soup to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Half-and-Half: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Chicken Stock: Provides a savory liquid base (vegetable stock can be substituted for a vegetarian option).
- Fresh Broccoli: The star vegetable, providing both flavor and texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheese for that signature cheddar taste.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance all the flavors.
Simple Steps to Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making broccoli cheddar soup at home is surprisingly easy:
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot and sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Build the Base: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine, cooking for about a minute.
- Add Liquids and Broccoli: Whisk in chicken stock, then slowly pour in half-and-half. Add bite-sized pieces of fresh broccoli.
- Simmer: Cover and cook over low heat for 15-18 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Melt in Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency.
Collage image showing steps in making broccoli cheddar soup
Recipe Variations to Explore
Want to tweak your broccoli cheddar soup? Here are a few variations:
- Oil Substitution: Use vegetable oil or olive oil instead of butter, though butter adds a richer flavor.
- Milk Option: Whole milk can replace half-and-half for a less creamy soup.
- Potato Addition: Diced russet potatoes create a heartier broccoli cheddar potato soup.
- Time-Saving Hacks: Use pre-cut broccoli and bagged shredded carrots or matchstick carrots to save prep time.
- Cauliflower Blend: Combine broccoli and cauliflower for a nuanced flavor.
Top 10 Side Dishes to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: what to serve alongside your delicious broccoli cheddar soup. Here are ten fantastic side dish ideas, categorized for easy browsing:
Bread Pairings: The Classic Companions
Bread and soup are a timeless combination. Here are some bread options that are particularly wonderful with broccoli cheddar soup:
-
2-Ingredient Bread: For ultimate simplicity, try a 2-ingredient bread made with Greek yogurt and flour. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires no yeast, offering a soft and slightly tangy bread perfect for soaking up soup.
-
Focaccia: Warm focaccia, especially rosemary focaccia, is a delightful Italian flatbread that complements the soup’s richness. Its airy texture and olive oil-infused flavor are a treat. You can even make it quickly using pizza dough as a shortcut.
Focaccia bread with fresh rosemary -
Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Elevate your bread game with cheesy garlic breadsticks. Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic-parmesan butter and topped with melted mozzarella offer a comforting and flavorful side. The garlic and cheese in the breadsticks echo the cheesy notes in the soup, creating a harmonious pairing.
Fresh and Light Fruit Sides: Balancing the Richness
To contrast the creamy richness of broccoli cheddar soup, consider a fresh and light fruit salad:
-
Winter Fruit Salad: A vibrant winter fruit salad offers a refreshing counterpoint. Customize it with seasonal fruits and a light honey-poppy seed dressing. The sweetness and acidity of the fruit cut through the soup’s richness, cleansing the palate.
Colorful winter fruit salad
Hearty Meat and Vegetable Companions: Adding Substance
For a more substantial meal, consider these meat and vegetable-based side dishes:
-
Charcuterie Board: An easy charcuterie board provides a variety of flavors and textures. Include your favorite meats, cheeses, and crackers for a customizable and satisfying side. The savory elements of a charcuterie board enhance the overall meal experience.
-
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Air fryer chicken tenders offer a crispy and protein-rich side. “Fried” in an air fryer, they are healthier yet still wonderfully crispy. The savory chicken provides a nice heartiness alongside the soup.
-
Zucchini Fries: Lightly crisp zucchini fries made in an air fryer are a healthier and delicious vegetable side. They offer a satisfying crunch and a mild flavor that complements the soup without overpowering it.
Air fryer zucchini fries with marinara sauce -
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches or Hot Dogs: For a simple and family-friendly option, warm or cold ham and cheese sandwiches or even hot dogs are classic pairings with soup. These provide a familiar and comforting side that many will enjoy.
Satisfying Potato Dishes: Comfort Food Duo
Potatoes and soup? Yes, please! These potato side dishes are particularly popular and delicious:
-
Classic Baked Potatoes: Air fryer baked potatoes are cooked steakhouse-style with crispy skins and fluffy insides. A baked potato offers a blank canvas for toppings and adds a hearty element to the meal.
-
Smashed Potatoes: Crispy smashed potatoes with tender insides and garlic butter flavor are incredibly flavorful and texturally interesting. Enjoy them plain or with sour cream.
Air fryer smashed potatoes with sour cream
While not listed as a top 10 side in the original article, french fries are also mentioned as a potato side dish option. French Fries – especially air fryer versions that use minimal oil – can be a fun and kid-friendly side to broccoli cheddar soup.
Looking for More Comforting Soup Inspirations?
If you’re a soup enthusiast, explore these other comforting soup recipes:
-
Tomato Soup: A classic pairing with grilled cheese, easy to make with canned tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Bowl of tomato soup with grilled cheese -
Minestrone Soup: A hearty Italian soup packed with vegetables, beans, and a rich tomato broth.
-
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: A light and flavorful soup with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh herbs in a lemony broth.
Lemon chicken orzo soup -
Garbanzo Bean Soup: A hearty and quick soup made from scratch with vegetables and a tomato broth.
Storing Leftover Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Leftover broccoli cheddar soup is perfect for lunch the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Bowl of broccoli cheddar soup garnished with cheese – pin image
Conclusion: Complete Your Broccoli Cheddar Soup Meal
Broccoli cheddar soup is a satisfying and comforting dish on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can transform it into a complete and well-rounded meal. From classic bread options to fresh salads and hearty potatoes, there are numerous delicious choices to explore. Experiment with these suggestions and discover your favorite combinations to enjoy with a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. Whether you opt for a simple slice of 2-ingredient bread or a more elaborate charcuterie board, the perfect side dish awaits to enhance your soup experience.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup – Top 10 Ideas
What to eat with Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Ingredients for Side Dishes
- 2 Ingredient Bread Dough
- Focaccia from pizza dough
- Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
- Winter Fruit Salad
- Charcuterie
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Zucchini Fries
- Baked Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes
- French Fries
Instructions
- Click the link in the post for each of these side dishes to get the full recipe.
- Gather the ingredients for your chosen side dish.
- Prepare your side dish in under 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal accompaniment.
Keyword: best sides broccoli cheese soup, what to eat with broccoli cheese soup, what to serve with broccoli cheese soup, broccoli cheese soup, broccoli cheddar soup
