Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This creamy, comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. The rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and creamy milk creates a velvety texture that complements the fresh, tender broccoli. With savory garlic and onions adding depth to the flavor, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a classic favorite that’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a cozy dinner or a starter to your meal. Whether you’re serving it to family, guests, or enjoying it solo, this Broccoli Cheese Soup is sure to be a hit. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Rich, cheesy, and packed with goodness, this soup will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this Broccoli Cheese Soup. First, it’s a comforting bowl of warmth that combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with the creaminess of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The soup has a smooth, velvety texture thanks to the mixture of milk and heavy cream, while the sautéed onions and garlic add a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cheese. The sharp cheddar gives the soup a deliciously tangy taste, while the Parmesan enhances the overall flavor profile. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or a side, this soup is perfect for any occasion, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients that are easy to find. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make ahead and store, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. The combination of cheese, broccoli, and creamy broth is truly irresistible, making this a go-to recipe for soup lovers everywhere.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Butter (cut into 1 tbsp pieces)
• Yellow onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (finely minced)
• All-purpose flour
• Low-fat milk (and extra to thin, if desired)
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, extra sharp if preferred)
• Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is versatile, and you can easily make it your own by trying some of these variations:

1. Add More Vegetables: Consider adding other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach to increase the soup’s nutritional value and variety.
2. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a subtle kick.
3. Low-Carb Option: Skip the flour and use a low-carb thickening agent, such as xanthan gum, to keep the soup creamy without the extra carbs.
4. Cheese Swap: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can use other cheeses like Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
5. Vegan Version: Swap the butter for plant-based butter, use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, and the heavy cream can be replaced with coconut milk for a creamy vegan version.
6. Meat Lovers: If you’d like to add a meaty element, crumbled bacon or sausage can complement the flavor and add a savory crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Add the flour to the pot, stirring to combine. Cook the mixture for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. This will help thicken the soup base.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the low-fat milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Once combined, add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the soup and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk to reach your desired consistency. Serve hot, with extra shredded cheese on top if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Thickening Tip: If you want a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a little more flour when making the roux.
• Broccoli Size: Make sure to chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to enjoy in every spoonful.
• Cheese: Use a good-quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that may affect the soup’s texture.
• Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can always add more milk or chicken broth to thin it out. Just do so gradually until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Storage Tip: When storing leftovers, make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is perfect for a cozy meal on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a more substantial meal. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a side salad to balance out the richness of the soup. It’s also a great starter for a main course like roasted chicken, pasta, or even a hearty salad. If you’re serving it for a group, you can make it in large batches and offer toppings like extra cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs for a customizable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add more milk when reheating.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding milk to reach the desired consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with additional milk or chicken broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh broccoli. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream, though it may slightly affect the creaminess.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?

This soup is not gluten-free due to the flour used to make the roux. To make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickening agent.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop and add more milk if needed.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker by combining all ingredients (except the cheese) and cooking on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese at the end, stirring until melted.

6. Can I use non-dairy milk for this soup?

Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk for the regular milk, but it may affect the flavor and creaminess.

7. How do I avoid lumps when adding the milk?

To avoid lumps, gradually add the milk while stirring continuously, or use a whisk to ensure smoothness.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.

9. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon can be added to make the soup heartier.

10. Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?

You can use low-fat cheese, but the flavor and texture of the soup may not be as rich and creamy as with full-fat cheese.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and rich in cheese and fresh broccoli. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with other dishes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any season. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers and can easily be made ahead of time for a quick meal. This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it an irresistible choice for your next meal.

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