TGI Fridays Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Have you ever had that creamy, rich, and velvety Broccoli Cheese Soup at TGI Fridays? It’s one of those comfort foods that always seems to hit the spot, especially on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty. But what if you could recreate this crowd-pleasing classic right in your own kitchen? Well, I’m about to walk you through a recipe that does just that-one that’s easy to follow, packed with flavor, and makes you feel like you’re sitting in your favorite restaurant booth. Trust me, once you try it, this homemade version will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

TGI Fridays Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is the perfect combination of tender broccoli, a luscious creamy base, and a melty, cheesy goodness that elevates every spoonful. The best part? You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes while still maintaining the signature TGI Fridays flavor.

Whether you’re looking to replicate the exact taste or experiment with some personal twists, I’ve got you covered. Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. I’ll break them down into categories so you know exactly what you’ll be grabbing from your pantry and fridge:

For The Soup Base

• Butter (unsalted) – For a rich, smooth base, the butter is going to be your best friend here.
• All-purpose flour – This helps thicken the soup and gives it that creamy texture. Think of it as the foundation.
• Milk (whole or 2%) – You need milk to make the soup rich and smooth. You can even use heavy cream if you want an extra indulgent result.
• Chicken broth – Adds depth and flavor. You can go for vegetable broth if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning and enhancing the flavors.

For The Broccoli

• Fresh broccoli – This is the star of the show! You’ll want to chop it into small florets so they cook evenly and easily blend into the soup.
• Carrots (optional) – Sometimes, I like to add a little sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese. Thinly sliced carrots work great here.

For The Cheese

• Sharp cheddar cheese – This is the key to that signature, bold flavor. Sharp cheddar has the right tanginess and depth to shine through in every bite.
• Monterey Jack cheese – Adds creaminess and helps with meltability, making the soup extra smooth.
• Cream cheese (optional, but recommended) – This enhances the creamy factor, giving the soup a richer, fuller texture.

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. The steps here are simple and straightforward, but the result is nothing short of decadent.

1. Prepare The Broccoli

   • Wash and chop your fresh broccoli into small florets. If you’re adding carrots, peel and slice them thinly.

2. Sauté The Base

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns golden. This step helps eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

3. Add Liquids

   • Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickens up (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll want the soup to be creamy but still pourable.

4. Cook The Veggies

   • Add the chopped broccoli (and carrots, if using) to the pot. Stir them into the liquid mixture and let them simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still holds some texture.

5. Add The Cheese

   • Lower the heat to low once the veggies are tender. Add in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until they melt into the soup, creating that creamy, cheesy goodness.
   • If you’re using cream cheese, add it now and whisk it in until smooth.

6. Season

   • Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder is also a great addition here if you want to elevate the flavor.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Once everything is smooth and velvety, serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top if you like.

Ingredient Insights

Each of the ingredients plays a critical role in achieving the perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup, so let’s break down what each one does:

• Butter and flour (roux): The combination of these two creates the base of your soup. The flour thickens the liquid, while the butter adds richness and flavor.
• Milk and cream cheese: The milk provides creaminess, and the cream cheese, if added, gives the soup an extra silky texture and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: This is the dominant flavor in the soup. It’s bold and tangy, which adds a wonderful contrast to the milder, creamier flavors.
• Monterey Jack cheese: It helps the soup reach that melt-in-your-mouth texture and brings a smoothness to balance out the sharpness of the cheddar.
• Broccoli: The green star of the show! Broccoli adds both flavor and nutrition. Plus, it brings texture, providing a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your Broccoli Cheese Soup to the next level, here are some pro tips that will help:

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can make your soup less smooth. Grating it fresh ensures it melts perfectly into the soup.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want it to be tender, but still with a slight bite. Overcooking can turn it mushy and alter the texture of your soup.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper: If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne can elevate the flavor and add a nice warmth.
• Use a hand blender: For an even creamier soup, use an immersion blender to purée some or all of the soup. This will give you a smooth, velvety texture while still keeping some broccoli pieces intact.

Recipe Variations

Now, if you want to mix things up, here are a few variations of the TGI Fridays Broccoli Cheese Soup that are equally delicious:

• Add protein: To turn this soup into a more substantial meal, try adding cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly while still maintaining great flavor.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda, Gruyère, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
• Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

Final Words

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheese Soup is that it’s simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy evening at home, or as a dish to impress guests, this soup is always a winner. The combination of fresh vegetables, rich creaminess, and sharp cheddar cheese is hard to beat, and the best part is that you can customize it however you like!