Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Pretzels

Total Time:

50 minutes

Serves:

4 Servings

Category:

45 min or more, Vegetarian

Level:

Share this Recipe:

Medium

Recipe Description

This cozy broccoli-cheddar bake is topped with golden, buttery soft pretzels for the ultimate comfort food. With rich cheesy flavor, tender vegetables, and a warm homemade topping (or store-bought for a shortcut), it’s a hearty dish that feels special but is still weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients

2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
2½ cups flour
¾ cup warm water
4 tablespoons butter (melted, plus extra for cooking)
1 yellow onion
1 broccoli floret
3 carrots
¼ cup flour (for the sauce)
Salt
Black pepper
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup water (plus more for boiling)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup baking soda
Coarse sea salt (for topping)

Preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine the instant yeast and 2½ cups flour. Add the warm water and melted butter. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth, then cover and set aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
Preheat the oven to 425°F and bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove.
Chop the broccoli into small florets and peel and chop the carrots. Set aside.
Finely chop the onion. In a large skillet with sides, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until combined.
Pour in the vegetable broth and 1 cup water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
Add the broccoli and carrots, stir, and continue to cook. Once boiling, stir in the cheddar cheese and milk until melted and creamy.
Meanwhile, stir ¼ cup baking soda into the pot of boiling water. Roll the dough into small balls and carefully drop them into the water. Boil for just a few seconds, until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on top of the cheesy vegetable mixture in the skillet.
Once all the dough balls are added, place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown. If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, and serve warm.

Notes:This recipe takes about 50 minutes with homemade pretzels. If using store-bought pretzels, it will take about 35 minutes.