Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

 If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and creamy soup, then this Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe will quickly become your favorite. This hearty bowl combines tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and a rich cheddar base that tastes just like the one you enjoy at McAlister’s, but even better when made fresh at home.

There’s nothing more satisfying than dipping warm sourdough bread into a thick, cheesy soup on a chilly evening. The blend of fresh broccoli, aromatic spices, and smooth cheddar makes every spoonful irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a cozy dinner, or looking for the ultimate comfort food, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm your heart.

My Personal Experience With This Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The first time I made this Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, I was surprised at how easy it was to bring restaurant-quality flavors into my own kitchen. What I love most is the way the broccoli blends perfectly with the creamy cheese base.

 

I’ve always enjoyed ordering this soup at McAlister’s, but making it at home feels even more special. Not only does it fill the house with an incredible aroma, but it also allows me to adjust the seasonings exactly to my liking.

On a cold afternoon, pairing this soup with fresh sourdough bread feels like pure comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never want to wait in line at a café again.

Ingredients Required for Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• 24 oz fresh broccoli (washed and chopped into small pieces)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ small white onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Large cooking pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Sharp knife and cutting board
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Cheese grater

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Copycat Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the base: Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. In a large pot set over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped white onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Create the roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously until it forms a thick paste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, allowing the mixture to thicken into a smooth base.

3. Season and add vegetables: Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Add the shredded carrots and chopped broccoli, mixing everything together. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the vegetables simmer gently for 15 minutes until tender.

4. Add the creaminess: Once the vegetables are soft, pour in the half-and-half. Stir well to combine, creating a creamy, velvety texture.

5. Melt the cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated cheddar cheese, stirring until it completely melts into the soup. This step gives the dish its rich, cheesy flavor and thick consistency.

6. Serve and enjoy: Turn off the heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Pair with fresh sourdough or French bread for the perfect cozy meal.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup deliciously

1. With Fresh Sourdough Bread or Burger
Nothing beats tearing into a crusty sourdough loaf while dipping it into creamy broccoli cheddar soup or with Dairy Queen Mushroom Swiss Burger. The tang of the bread balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.

2. Inside a Bread Bowl
We love hollowing out a round bread loaf and serving the soup inside. It’s cozy, fun, and you get to eat the bowl afterward-no dishes!

3. Alongside a Crispy Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Pairing this soup with a golden, buttery grilled cheese feels like pure comfort food heaven. We sometimes sneak in extra cheddar for the ultimate cheesy combo.

4. With Garlic Breadsticks
Warm, buttery garlic breadsticks are one of our favorite sides. They’re perfect for dipping and add a delicious garlicky crunch to each bite of soup.

5. Topped with Crunchy Croutons
Whenever we have leftover bread, we toast it into croutons. Sprinkling them on top gives the soup a delightful crunch in every spoonful.

6. Served with a Side Salad
For a lighter meal, we like pairing this creamy soup with a fresh green salad-especially Dairy Queen Coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

7. With Oven-Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes on the side add heartiness and texture. We love seasoning them with rosemary or paprika for extra flavor.

8. With Baked Ham & Cheese Sliders
Mini ham and cheese sliders baked in the oven pair beautifully with this soup. The savory ham complements the cheesy soup so well.

9. Sprinkled with Bacon Bits
Sometimes we top the soup with crispy bacon crumbles. It adds smokiness and crunch that makes the whole dish feel extra indulgent.

10. With Freshly Baked Biscuits
Soft, buttery biscuits are another favorite pairing. We love splitting them open and letting them soak up the cheesy soup. Pure comfort!

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Wash the broccoli well – Rinse it in water so it’s nice and clean before you chop it.

2. Cut broccoli small – Tiny pieces cook faster and taste better in soup.

3. Grate fresh cheese – Fresh cheese melts smooth, not clumpy.

4. Don’t skip butter – Butter makes the soup rich and yummy.

5. Stir slowly – Keep mixing so nothing sticks to the pot.

6. Use low heat for cheese – Cheese melts best on gentle heat.

7. Taste before serving – Add a little more salt or pepper if you want.

8. Serve with bread – Bread is perfect for dipping in this creamy soup.

9. Eat it warm – The soup tastes best when it’s hot and cheesy.

10. Save leftovers – Put soup in a container, keep in the fridge, and warm it up later.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.

FAQs on this Copycat Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

When you give this Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. What is the secret ingredient in broccoli cheddar soup?

From my experience, the secret ingredient that makes this soup stand out is a touch of nutmeg. It might seem unusual, but it adds warmth and depth to the flavor, balancing the richness of the cheddar perfectly.

2. What are the ingredients in cheddar broccoli soup?

The base ingredients include broccoli, carrots, onions, garlic, butter, flour, chicken broth, half-and-half, and plenty of cheddar cheese. A few spices like paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper really enhance the taste and make it restaurant-quality.

3. What makes broccoli cheddar soup thick?

The thickness comes from making a simple roux with butter and flour before adding the broth. As the soup simmers with the broccoli and carrots, it naturally thickens. The melted cheddar cheese also adds a creamy, velvety texture.

4. Is broccoli cheddar soup good or bad for you?

Honestly, it’s a bit of both. On the one hand, it’s loaded with broccoli and carrots, which are nutrient-rich. On the other hand, it does contain butter, cream, and cheese, which makes it indulgent. I think it’s perfect as a cozy comfort meal in moderation.

5. Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?

Yes! I’ve made it with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and it tastes just as delicious. Just make sure to use a good-quality veggie stock to keep the flavors rich.

6. Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?

I’ve tried freezing it, but honestly, it doesn’t hold up well because of the cream and cheese-they tend to separate. If you do freeze it, reheat it slowly and whisk well to bring the creamy texture back.

7. What type of cheese works best for broccoli cheddar soup?

From my kitchen tests, freshly grated sharp cheddar melts the best and gives the richest flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that stop it from melting smoothly, so I always recommend grating your own.

8. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve done this when I was short on time. Frozen broccoli works well, but I suggest adding it straight into the soup without thawing-it helps keep it from becoming mushy.

9. How do you reheat leftover broccoli cheddar soup without curdling?

The trick is to reheat it slowly over low heat, stirring often. If you microwave it, use short intervals and stir in between. This keeps the creamy texture intact and prevents the cheese from separating.

10. What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?

My favorite pairing is fresh sourdough bread, but sometimes I go for French bread or even a bread bowl for that café-style experience. A light salad also balances the richness of the soup perfectly.

This Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a warm, hearty meal, this homemade version beats the restaurant favorite every time.

Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and don’t forget to serve it with fresh bread for the perfect pairing. If you enjoy cozy soups, bookmark this recipe-you’ll come back to it again and again!

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