The Main Type Of Cheese To Avoid In Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a rich and delicious comfort food that warms the stomach as much as the soul. Whether you enjoy a cup with half a sandwich or go for a big bowl with a crusty baguette for dipping, broccoli cheddar is a soup lover's favorite, especially on a cold winter day. (Bonus: You can use this time-saving hack to cook your broccoli for a homemade version.) Jill Silverman Hough, recipe developer, cookbook author, and culinary expert for Real California Milk, shared her thoughts with Daily Meal regarding the best and not-so-best cheeses to use in a broccoli cheddar soup recipe, and other tips to make your soup top-notch.
Naturally, cheddar is the go-to for broccoli cheddar soup. Silverman Hough recommends avoiding aged cheddars, however, as they don't have the same meltability. But you can combine cheddar with other high-moisture, low-melting point cheeses for a twist on your soup. She said, "Good old American cheese, for example, can be a nice addition for its creaminess, and Monterey Jack can be nice for its tang." And don't be concerned if your cheddar cheese has some white stuff on it. It isn't mold and is safe to use in your soup.
Expect the unexpected with different ingredients and cooking methods
Although it's a classic, broccoli cheddar soup doesn't have to be the same thing every time. Jill Silverman Hough suggests, "Besides switching up the cheese, try roasting the broccoli and any other vegetables before adding them to the soup pot — it'll amp up their flavor and add roasty, toasty brown notes." There's a good reason why broccoli tastes so yummy when it's a bit burnt, and it'll likely translate to your soup, too.
Some of Silverman Hough's other suggestions sound just as delicious, including adding chili crisp for garnish, smoked paprika for depth, or curry powder for a more exotic rendition. You can also include veggies like cauliflower, red pepper, or sweet potato. "Make it smoky with smoked paprika or make it exotic with a dab of curry powder, miso paste, or sesame oil," she suggests to take your soup to new heights.
With these add-ins, broccoli cheddar soup can become even better. Just remember to skip the aged cheddar to ensure the best melt. A personalized bowl from Personalization Universe will make your broccoli soup feel right at home as you enjoy every spoonful!