Broccoli Cheese Soup Subway Recipe

If you’ve ever stepped into a Subway, you’ve likely noticed their signature Broccoli Cheese Soup. It’s one of those comforting, creamy dishes that immediately transports you to a cozy spot on a cold day. The soup has a way of satisfying your hunger while warming you up from the inside out. But did you know you can recreate this deliciously rich and savory soup right at home? In this recipe breakdown, we’ll not only explore how to make this hearty dish but also dive deep into each ingredient’s role, tips for getting the perfect consistency, and variations to put your own twist on it.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Subway Recipe

Subway’s Broccoli Cheese Soup has that perfect balance of creamy richness, tender broccoli, and a sharp, savory cheese flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily it comes together using basic pantry staples. With just a little time, you can have a bowl of this comforting soup ready to enjoy, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to do it.

Here’s a simple recipe to follow, but as we go through, I’ll also point out ways to enhance or adjust the soup to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing the soup to life, contributing to its creamy texture, hearty body, and cheesy goodness.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli forms the backbone of the soup. It’s the vegetable that adds not only texture but also that mild, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese.
• Butter: Butter is essential for sautéing and providing that luxurious, velvety base. It helps in enhancing the flavor of the vegetables and adds to the creaminess of the soup.
• Onion: A small onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup. It helps balance the richness of the cheese and the natural bitterness of the broccoli.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch that elevates the soup’s flavor profile. It complements the broccoli and cheese perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup, chicken broth brings a savory depth that gives the soup body and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Half-and-Half: A combination of milk and cream, this gives the soup its creamy consistency. It thickens the soup without making it too heavy.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient! It provides that unmistakable cheesy richness and helps thicken the soup as it melts.
• Flour: Used to make a roux, flour thickens the soup, giving it that perfect creamy texture. Without it, the soup would be too runny.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the flavors in the soup and balances out the richness.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! The process is straightforward, and with a few steps, you’ll have a bowl of broccoli cheese soup that rivals the one from Subway.

1. Prepare The Broccoli

   • If you’re using fresh broccoli, wash and chop it into small florets. If frozen, you can skip this step.
   • Set aside to steam or blanch if preferred. You can also cook it in the broth later.

2. Make The Roux

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing them until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
   • Stir in the flour, making sure it forms a smooth paste. Cook for another 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Add The Liquids

   • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Once the broth is well incorporated, add the half-and-half. Bring it to a simmer, letting it cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.

4. Add The Broccoli

   • Add the broccoli florets (steamed or blanched) to the soup. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften and the flavors to develop.

5. Cheese Time

   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the soup. This will give the soup its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

6. Season

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to add more if you want the soup to be extra flavorful.
   • If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more broth or half-and-half to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role each ingredient plays can help you refine the recipe and make it truly your own. Let’s break down why each of these ingredients is so important:

• Broccoli: It’s not just a filler veggie. Broccoli adds texture, fiber, and essential nutrients like Vitamin C, K, and folate. Its mild flavor balances the richness of the cheese, preventing the soup from being overly heavy.
• Butter & Flour (Roux): The combination of butter and flour creates a roux that thickens the soup, ensuring that it has the smooth and creamy consistency that everyone craves. Without this base, the soup would be more like a thin broth than a creamy soup.
• Chicken Broth: It provides the necessary depth of flavor that forms the foundation of the soup. Without a rich broth, the soup might taste too one-dimensional.
• Half-and-Half: The creaminess of half-and-half is essential in achieving that smooth, velvety texture. It’s also lower in fat than full cream but still thick enough to provide a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and adds that distinctive, tangy flavor that makes broccoli cheese soup so comforting.

Expert Tips

• Do Not Overcook the Broccoli: If you cook the broccoli too long, it can lose its vibrant green color and texture. Aim for it to be tender but still slightly firm.
• Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have additives that make it less smooth when melted. Grate fresh cheese for a silky soup.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go. Sometimes, a little extra pinch of salt or a dash of garlic powder can elevate the flavors.
• Make it in Advance: Soups like this often taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. If you’re making it ahead of time, let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up? Here are a few fun twists on the classic broccoli cheese soup:

• Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go!
• Add Carrots or Potatoes: For extra heartiness, add some diced carrots or potatoes. These root vegetables add a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the broccoli.
• Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Final Words

There’s something magical about the combination of broccoli and cheese-creamy, comforting, and utterly satisfying. This recipe is not just about making a soup; it’s about creating a dish that brings comfort and joy to your kitchen. Whether you follow the classic recipe or get creative with variations, you’re bound to end up with a delicious, soul-warming bowl of soup.