Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli with rich, melted cheese. Perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or a comforting lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why This Broccoli Cheese Soup Is the Best
- Creamy and Rich Texture: The soup has a smooth and creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese adds a rich and savory flavor that complements the broccoli perfectly.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch, a hearty dinner, or a dish to warm you up on a cold day, Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheese and tender broccoli makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the onions and garlic, contributing to the soup’s creamy texture.
- Finely Chopped Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
- Minced Garlic: Offers aromatic flavor, complementing the other ingredients and adding depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates a roux with the butter, thickening the soup and giving it a creamy consistency.
- Low-Fat Milk: Forms the primary liquid base for the soup, adding creaminess without being too heavy. Additional milk can be used to thin the soup to the desired consistency.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and moisture, enhancing the soup’s richness without excessive saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Contributes additional creaminess and richness, making the soup indulgent.
- Finely Chopped Fresh Broccoli Florets: Provides the main vegetable component, adding nutrition, color, and texture to the soup.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a strong, tangy flavor that defines the soup; can be adjusted to extra sharp for more intensity.
- Finely Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor, enhancing the cheese profile of the soup.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Used to season the soup to taste, enhancing all flavors.
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality broccoli and cheese.
- Blend Well: Blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency for the perfect texture.
- Season Generously: Season the broth with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently to let the flavors meld together and the broccoli become tender.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a bread roll for a complete meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- With Grated Cheese: Sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra richness and flavor.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
- With a Dollop of Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess.
- With Crackers: Enjoy with some crackers for a crunchy contrast.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious soup recipes!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch, a hearty dinner, or a dish to warm you up on a cold day, Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheese and tender broccoli makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups packed finely chopped broccoli florets
- 10 oz 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese, and more for serving
- 1/4 cup + 3 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk then more to thin if prefered
- 1 14.5 oz can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 oz 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 6 Tablespoon butter cut into 1 Tablespoon pieces
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large clove garlic finely minced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are nearly soft, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Next, add the garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly. While whisking, gradually pour in the milk, followed by the chicken broth. Then, stir in the broccoli.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it starts to thicken. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it cook, stirring very frequently, until the broccoli is tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, adding more cheddar on top if desired.
Notes
- For this recipe, use only the florets from about 2 heads of broccoli. If you enjoy a bit more broccoli, feel free to use up to 4 cups.
- For a milder flavor, opt for sharp cheddar; for a bolder taste, choose extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- For the best flavor and texture, use freshly shredded cheese from blocks instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese.