Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar is one of my favorite cheeses – it tastes like a combo of an aged cheddar and Parmesan – it has a creamy, slightly crumbly texture. If you don’t live near Trader Joe’s, look for Montamoré Cheddar by Sartori at your local markets – it’s the same cheese. This broccoli cheese soup is made with Unexpected Cheddar and Sharp Cheddar, the soup is perfectly creamy and the flavor is absolutely amazing – it’s similar to the Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup Trader Joe’s carries in the refrigerated section, but honestly this homemade version is MUCH better. My husband claims this to be the “best soup he’s ever had”
Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
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Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 6
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Ingredients
- 4 oz Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar or Montamoré Cheddar, shredded
- 4 oz Sharp Cheddar, shredded
- 16 oz package of Frozen Broccoli, defrosted and cut into small bite sized pieces
- 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- ½ of a Yellow Onion, diced small
- 1 Large Carrot, diced small
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced small
- 5 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Cups Half & Half
- 2 Cups Vegetable Stock
- 1½ Teaspoons Coarse Kosher Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Pinch of Cayenne Pepper or a few twists of Trader Joe's South African Smoke Seasoning, (optional)
Method
- 1)
In a large pot, melt 6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter on medium heat, add the diced onions, carrots and celery. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions start to get soft. Sprinkle in 5 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes. While stirring, slowly pour in 2 Cups Half & Half and 2 Cups Vegetable Stock and stir until it looks smooth. Add 1½ Teaspoon Coarse Kosher Salt, ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper, ¼ Teaspoon Garlic Powder, Pinch of Cayenne Pepper and once it stars to simmer, turn it to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- 2)
Add the chopped Broccoli, let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then check if you like the doneness of the broccoli – simmer for a few more minutes if you want it softer. Add in 4 oz shredded Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar and 4 oz shredded Sharp Cheddar – stir very well until it looks smooth. Taste and season with more salt or pepper if needed. Enjoy!
↓ Supplies to make this recipe ↓