Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe: A Comforting and Creamy Delight
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup recipe is a warm and satisfying dish perfect for chilly days. With its rich and creamy texture, this hearty soup combines the goodness of fresh broccoli and melted cheese, making it a comforting meal the whole family will love. Easy to make and full of flavor, this recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The Perfect Broccoli and Cheese Soup for Every Season
Our Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a classic favorite that’s simple to prepare and packed with nutrition. The combination of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and a savory broth creates a delicious and filling meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl of soup or want a nutritious lunch, this recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of broccoli and cheese in a rich, comforting bowl.
Let’s Dish: About This Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup is made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a smooth, velvety broth. The soup is thickened with a little flour and enriched with heavy cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this Broccoli and Cheese Soup recipe lies in its simplicity and comfort. The broccoli provides vitamins and nutrients, while the cheese adds a rich, indulgent flavor. The soup is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for busy days. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
How to Make This Broccoli and Cheesy Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened.
Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Serve
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheese or crumbled bacon if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Broccoli and Cheesy Soup
Creaminess: For an extra creamy soup, use full-fat cream and cheese. You can also blend part of the soup for a smoother texture.
Broccoli: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend the cooked broccoli before adding the cheese.
Add-ins: Customize your soup by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or additional vegetables like carrots or cauliflower.
How to Serve
- With Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a thick slice of toasted bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Starter: This soup makes a great appetizer for a dinner party or holiday meal.
Storing Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a great meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or as a light lunch, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as gouda, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
More Comforting Soup Recipes
- Butternut Squash Soup: A hearty and wholesome soup perfect for cold days.
- Tomato Basil Soup: A creamy, tangy soup that’s perfect with grilled cheese.
- Potato Leek Soup: A smooth and creamy soup made with potatoes and leeks for a deliciously comforting meal.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup recipe is a delicious, creamy, and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. With tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth, it makes for the perfect meal any time of year. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening or serving it to guests, this rich and flavorful soup is sure to please everyone.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
For the Broccoli and Cheese Soup:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crumbled bacon or extra cheese for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Broccoli:
Add the chopped broccoli and chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
Thicken the Soup:
In a small bowl, combine the flour with a little broth to make a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the soup, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup has thickened.
Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Season the Soup:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can top with crumbled bacon or extra cheese.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Consistency: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender for a creamier texture.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add cooked chicken, bacon, or other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for extra flavor and variety.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove when ready to serve.
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese and coconut cream in place of the cheddar cheese and heavy cream for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Why is my broccoli cheddar soup not creamy?
- If your broccoli cheddar soup isn’t creamy, it could be due to several reasons:
- Not enough cream or milk: Ensure you’re using enough cream or milk to create a creamy base.
- Cheese isn’t fully melted: If the cheese isn’t properly melted, it can result in a gritty or oily texture instead of smooth creaminess.
- Flour or roux not thickened properly: If you’re using flour to thicken the soup (via a roux), it needs to be cooked well and combined properly with the liquid to prevent a thin consistency.
What is the best cheese to melt in soup?
- The best cheeses for melting in soup include:
- Cheddar cheese: This is the most popular choice for broccoli cheddar soup because it melts smoothly and adds a sharp, rich flavor.
- Gruyère: A creamy, nutty cheese that melts very well and adds depth to the flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Another cheese that melts easily and offers a mild flavor.
- Fontina: This cheese melts beautifully and creates a smooth, creamy texture in soups.
Why won’t my cheese melt in my broccoli cheddar soup?
- If your cheese isn’t melting properly, it could be due to:
- High heat: Adding cheese to very hot or boiling soup can cause it to seize up and become clumpy instead of melting smoothly. Always lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir it gently.
- Low-quality cheese: Some processed cheeses don’t melt as well as natural cheeses. Try using a good-quality cheddar or other melt-friendly cheese.
- Adding cheese too early: If the cheese is added too soon or too quickly, it might not melt properly. Let the soup cool a bit before adding the cheese, and stir it in gradually.
How can I thicken my broccoli cheese soup?
- If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by:
- Adding a roux: A roux made of butter and flour is a traditional way to thicken soup. Cook the butter and flour together until it forms a paste, then slowly add it to the soup.
- Using cornstarch or flour slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch or flour with cold water, and add it to the soup to thicken it.
- Blending part of the soup: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend some of the soup, then return it to the pot. This creates a thicker, creamier texture from the broccoli and broth.
- Adding more cheese: A bit of extra shredded cheese can also help thicken the soup while making it even creamier.
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