Broccoli And Cheese Soup Recipe

Broccoli and cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially on those chilly days when all you want is something warm, creamy, and satisfying. There’s something about the rich, velvety texture combined with the savory, slightly tangy flavor of cheese that makes this soup irresistible. Whether you’re curling up with a good book, enjoying a cozy movie night, or just needing a quick meal, this recipe will hit all the right notes.

But it’s not just the comforting qualities that make this soup so beloved. It’s also incredibly nutritious! The broccoli adds a boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the cheese (in moderation) adds some extra protein and fat. So, it’s not only delicious but also a clever way to sneak in some healthy greens for the whole family.

Let’s dive into the recipe! Get ready to prepare a soup that’s so satisfying, you might find yourself making it every week!

Broccoli And Cheese Soup Recipe

This homemade broccoli and cheese soup is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that you can tweak based on what’s in your pantry, but no matter how you make it, the result will always be a creamy and cheesy masterpiece that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you don’t need too many ingredients. Let’s break it down:

• Broccoli florets: Fresh is always best, but frozen works well too. You’ll need about 4 cups of broccoli, which is roughly one large head or one package of frozen broccoli florets.
• Cheddar cheese: This is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality! You’ll need around 2 cups of sharp or medium cheddar cheese. If you prefer a less intense cheese, go for a milder variety.
• Milk: Whole milk provides the best creaminess, but you can substitute with a lower-fat milk if needed. You’ll need about 2 cups.
• Heavy cream: This gives the soup that extra silky texture. Use about 1/2 cup.
• Butter: About 4 tablespoons of butter will create a rich base for the soup.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds flavor depth.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, for a fragrant, savory kick.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: This will help create the soup’s liquid base. You’ll need about 4 cups. Choose low-sodium to keep the flavor balanced.
• Flour: 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to make a roux, which will thicken the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

Cooking Instructions

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering broccoli and cheese soup:

1. Prepare the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets. Steam it or blanch it for 2-3 minutes until it’s tender but still bright green. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you can skip this step and go straight to the next one. Drain well if using frozen.
2. Make the roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute. This is your roux, which will help thicken the soup later.
3. Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. After the broth is fully incorporated, pour in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to stir as the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the broccoli: Once the soup has thickened slightly, add your broccoli florets. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the broccoli is tender and the flavors are well combined.
5. Add the cheese: Now, the fun part! Gradually add in your shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the soup. This will give the soup that luscious, cheesy consistency we all love.
6. Season to taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a little extra flair!
7. Blend (optional): If you like a super smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, if you like a bit of texture, leave it chunky!
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for added flavor and crunch.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose in enhancing the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of the soup. Here’s a breakdown:

• Broccoli: A fantastic source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this soup a nutrient-dense option.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds both flavor and creaminess. A sharper cheddar creates a more pronounced cheesy taste, while a mild cheddar gives a subtler flavor.
• Milk and Cream: Together, they create that dreamy, creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting. Heavy cream adds richness, while milk balances it out.
• Butter: Not only does it contribute to flavor, but it’s also key in making the roux that thickens the soup.
• Flour: Helps achieve the desired consistency, making the soup thick and velvety without needing a ton of cream.
• Onion and Garlic: Both ingredients provide savory depth and an aromatic base for the soup.
• Broth: The broth brings everything together with a savory liquid base, enhancing the flavor of the soup.

Expert Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Grate your own cheese for the smoothest texture.
• Control the thickness: If the soup turns out too thick, simply add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer to allow it to thicken.
• Make it spicy: Want to kick it up a notch? Add some cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup some heat.
• Add a protein boost: This soup can easily be turned into a meal by adding cooked chicken or bacon for a protein punch. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick fix.
• Top it off: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or grilled cheese for a fully satisfying meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Vegan version: Use plant-based cheese and swap the butter and cream for coconut milk or a vegan cream alternative. You can also opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Cheese overload: For a cheesier soup, try adding a mix of cheeses. Gruyère, gouda, or even some parmesan will create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Add vegetables: You can throw in other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for added color and nutrition.
• Low-carb version: Skip the flour and instead thicken the soup with blended cauliflower for a creamy texture without the carbs.

Final Words

Broccoli and cheese soup is one of those dishes that never gets old. It’s a versatile, comforting, and indulgent dish that can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it thick and creamy or with a little extra heat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

The beauty of this soup is that it’s simple, yet packs a punch of flavor. It’s a perfect dish for beginner cooks or seasoned home chefs. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll likely keep coming back for more, tweaking the recipe until it’s exactly the way you like it.