Description
Broccoli cheese soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for any season. This rich and velvety soup combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth, savory base. It’s easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family and friends, this broccoli cheese soup is a delicious choice.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: 4 cups, chopped
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (preferably sharp cheddar)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Flour: 1/4 cup (for thickening)
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Milk or Cream: 2 cups (heavy cream for a richer soup, or whole milk for a lighter option)
- Seasonings:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional)
Instructions
- Saute onion: Melt butter in pot over medium-high heat. Add in onions and cook, stirring frequently until nearly soft, about 4 – 5 minutes.
- Make roux: Add in garlic and flour, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids: While whisking, slowly pour in milk then chicken broth. Stir in broccoli.
- Let thicken: Cook stirring constantly until mixture begins to thicken.
- Let broccoli cook: Then reduce heat to low and allow to cook, stirring very frequently, until broccoli is tender, about 6 – 8 minutes.
- Add cream and cheeses: Stir in heavy cream, cheddar and parmesan cheese, mixing until melted.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with more cheddar if desired.
Notes
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, vibrant broccoli and high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Substitutions: Frozen broccoli can be used if fresh is unavailable. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. Cornstarch can replace flour for a gluten-free option. Plant-based milk and cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Texture: Blending part or all of the soup creates a smoother texture. For a chunkier soup, blend only half or leave it unblended.
- Seasoning: Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed.