Let’s talk comfort food. Is there anything quite as satisfying as a bowl of creamy soup on chilly days? Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been family favorite for years. My Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe. This isn’t your bland, watery cafeteria soup. Is this rich, flavorful, and packed with cheesy goodness? What has been your life? What is broccoli cheese soup? What is the best soup to Make on its own? I guarantee that even the pickiest eaters in your family will gobble this one up. I know mine do!
What is Broccoli cheese soup?
What is Broccoli Cheese Soup? What’s essentially a creamy soup base, loaded with tender broccoli florets and tons of melted cheese? What is the beauty of simplicity? You’re starting with humble ingredients and transforming them into something truly special. Is it cheesy or broccoliy? What is soup? Is there a way to get my veggie intake back up and running? What are some of the My own variation is special thanks to a secret ingredient that elevates it beyond anything you’ve ever had.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to make Broccoli Cheese Soup? First of all, the flavor is out of this world. What are some of the best broccoli recipes? The sharpness of the cheddar perfectly complements the mild sweetness of broccoli, and the hint of pepper. Is it over the top? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is this a lifesaver on saturday nights? From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes, tops. And the best part? Is it budget friendly Broccoli and cheese are both affordable ingredients, especially when you buy them in season.
What are some good reasons to try this soup? What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? Add some crusty bread for dipping, or top it with croutons for extra crunch. What are some sneaky ways to get your kids to eat more veggies? My kids ask for this all the time – they don’t even realize they’re eating something good for them. Compared to other creamy soup recipes, this Broccoli Cheese Soup manages to be decadent without being overpowered. Being overly heavy. Is it going to leave you feeling weighed down, unlike some cream-laden soups? What is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition?
How do you make Broccoli cheese soup?
Quick Overview
How do you make Broccoli Cheese Soup? I’ll start by sautéing some aromatics to build a flavor base, then add your broccoli and broth. Once the broccoli is tender, you’ll blend a portion of the soup for an extra creamy texture. What is the best way to stir in cheese? This method is faster than roasting the broccoli and easier than making a roux, so you can have an easy roasted broccoli. How do I make a warm bowl in no time?
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor. I always use unsalted butter to reduce the saltiness of soup.
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Essential for building a flavorful base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory goodness. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped: The star of the show! Is frozen frozen better than fresh?
• 4 cups chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor. Vegetable broth works too, if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: For ultimate creaminess. I find heavy cream is a good substitute for half-and-half for lighter options.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
For the Cheesy Goodness:
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but mild or medium works too.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the cheddar.
What are the steps for
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?
Step 2: Add Broccoli and Broth
Add the broccoli florets and chicken broth to the pot. Bring broccoli to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender, carefully blend about half of the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. How do you vent your blender to prevent splattering? I always do this with a towel on top of the lid! What is the best way to achieve a creamy texture?
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
How do you stir together Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese? Do you think cheese will melt in a few minutes?
Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. What is the best seasoning for a steak? How do you make broth and cheese?
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
How do you serve soup? Garnish with extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a dollop of Sour Cream if desired. I love adding a little red pepper flakes to my recipe!
What is the best way to serve it?
What’s better, Broccoli Cheese Soup? Right accompaniments.
For Lunch:I love serving this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. What’s a good sandwich to serve with creamy soup?
For Dinner:What is a good salad to serve with grilled chicken? A side of crusty bread or garlic bread is also a must for dipping!
As a Starter:Serve soup before main course of roasted chicken or baked ham. What are some good ways to start a meal?
For Cozy Snacks:My family loves this soup with some saltine crackers for dipping. What is the perfect snack for a cold evening?
My family tradition is to make grilled cheese croutons by cutting up the cheese into small pieces. What are some good soup toppings to use in a bowl?
How do I make Broccoli cheese soup?
What are some of the best ways to make Broccoli cheese soup?
Broccoli Prep:Don’t overcook broccoli. You want it to be tender, but not mushy. I find that simmering it for 10-15 minutes is just right. If you are using frozen broccoli, make sure that it is completely thawed and drained before adding it to your salad. Is it to the soup?
Mixing Advice:Use good quality cheese! The flavor of the cheese really shines through in this soup, so it’s worth investing in a good cheese. What is the best cheddar
Ingredient Swaps:For a creamier soup, you can add 1 tablespoon of Cream Cheese along with the cheddar. It adds a lovely richness and tang.
Baking Tips: If you want to add a little extra flavor, try roasting the broccoli before adding it to the soup. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli and adds a lovely smoky flavor.
Glaze Variations: I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings! Salt, pepper, and even a pinch of cayenne can really elevate the flavor of this soup.
One of my biggest lessons learned: Don’t over-blend the soup! You want to leave some chunks of broccoli for texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Cheese Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: To store, let the soup cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.
A tip: if the soup seems a little thick after storing, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe that’s been a hit with my family for years. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor. What more could you ask for? If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this soup is definitely worth a try. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other soup recipes for more cozy inspiration!
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas!
How to Make the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup in 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 cup onion, chopped
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add broccoli and bring to a simmer. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in milk and cheese until cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
