Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup to comfort the soul, especially on a chilly day. This creamy, rich soup combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a touch of Parmesan for a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With a base of butter, garlic, and onions, this broccoli cheese soup has all the savory notes you crave in a classic comfort food. It’s the perfect balance of textures, with tender broccoli and a velvety smooth cheese sauce that wraps around each bite.

Ideal for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, this broccoli cheese soup is not only filling but also packed with flavor and nutrients. You can easily customize the cheese blend or adjust the thickness to your liking. Whether you’re serving it on a cold day or sharing it with friends and family, this soup is sure to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an excellent option for anyone looking to add a little comfort to their meal plan.

Ready to make a delicious, creamy, and cheesy broccoli soup? Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Creamy

The combination of butter, cream, and cheese creates a smooth, velvety texture that’s rich and comforting in every spoonful.

2. Full of Flavor

With the perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this soup offers a depth of flavor that’s not too overwhelming but just right for a savory, cheesy experience.

3. Nutrient-Packed

Broccoli adds a healthy green element to the soup, making it not only delicious but nutritious as well. It’s a great way to get your greens while indulging in a comforting dish.

4. Easy to Make

This broccoli cheese soup comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want a hearty, home-cooked meal.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the thickness of the soup or switch up the cheeses based on what you have on hand, giving you the flexibility to make it your own.

Ingredients

• Butter (cut into 1 Tbsp pieces)
• Finely chopped yellow onion
• Garlic (minced)
• All-purpose flour
• Low-fat milk (and extra to thin if desired)
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (or extra sharp cheddar)
• Finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

1. Add Extra Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for a heartier, more colorful soup. You can sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

2. Use Different Cheeses

For a different twist, try using a blend of cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack in place of or in addition to cheddar cheese.

3. Make it Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a small amount of jalapeño for a little extra heat to your soup.

4. Make it Vegan

Substitute butter with plant-based butter, heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.

5. Make it Gluten-Free

To make this soup gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour doesn’t burn. This will create a thickening base for the soup.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the low-fat milk and chicken broth while constantly stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the soup begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and green.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Season the Soup

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Stir again to combine.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli

Be sure not to overcook the broccoli. It should remain tender but still have some texture and a bright green color. Overcooking it can result in mushy broccoli and a less appealing texture.

2. Use Room Temperature Milk and Cream

For a smoother soup, use room temperature milk and cream when adding them to the pot. This helps prevent the mixture from curdling.

3. For Extra Creaminess

For an even creamier soup, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender. This will give the soup a silky texture.

4. Add Fresh Herbs

Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and a touch of color.

5. Adjust the Thickness

If the soup is too thick, simply add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.

How to Serve

Broccoli cheese soup is perfect as a meal on its own or served alongside a variety of dishes. Serve it with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or some crunchy crackers for dipping. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced, satisfying meal. For an extra indulgence, top each bowl with a little extra shredded cheddar cheese or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover broccoli cheese soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more milk to restore the creamy consistency if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, note that the texture of the cheese may change slightly once frozen. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add more milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything into a slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheeses and cream before serving.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but fresh broccoli gives the soup a better texture and color. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain it first.

4. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the soup gluten-free.

5. What type of cheese should I use?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the soup the best flavor, but you can also experiment with extra sharp cheddar or a combination of cheeses.

6. Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, though the texture of the cheese may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the soup will be a little less rich.

8. How do I make the soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

9. Can I blend this soup?

Yes, you can use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend part or all of the soup for a smoother texture.

10. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, cooked chicken or bacon can be added for extra protein and flavor.

Conclusion

This broccoli cheese soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, cheesy flavor and tender broccoli, it’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold day or a savory soup to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple to make, customizable, and absolutely irresistible. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this delightful soup!

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