Truly the BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! This rich and creamy delight is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it suitable for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Pair it with fresh bread, and you have a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Cheesy: With sharp cheddar and Parmesan, every spoonful is bursting with cheesy goodness.
- Nutritious and Hearty: Packed with fresh broccoli, this soup provides a healthy dose of vegetables while still being indulgent.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a filling main dish.
- Comfort Food Classic: Ideal for chilly evenings, this soup warms you up from the inside out.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A good-sized pot allows for even cooking and prevents spillage when stirring the soup.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps to combine ingredients smoothly without lumps, especially when adding liquids.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely chopping onions and garlic to intensify the flavor of your soup.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp butter, (cut into 1 Tbsp pieces)
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large clove garlic, (finely minced)
- 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk, (then more to thin if desired)
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Main Component
- 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
Cheeses
- 10 oz (2 1/2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese (or extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving)
- 1 oz (1/3 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in onions and cook, stirring frequently until nearly soft, about 4 – 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Add in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids
While whisking continuously, slowly pour in low-fat milk followed by chicken broth. Stir in finely chopped broccoli.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low and allow it to cook, stirring very frequently, until broccoli is tender, approximately 6 – 8 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream followed by cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm with additional cheddar on top if desired.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Serving your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is all about enhancing the cozy experience it brings. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious soup.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: The flavors of garlic bread pair wonderfully, adding a savory touch.
- Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and edible presentation.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar on top right before serving for extra cheesiness.
- Parmesan Crisp: Create crispy parmesan rounds to add as a crunchy topping.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup well.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad adds freshness and balances the creaminess of the soup.
With Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Adding slices of grilled chicken can make this meal heartier.
- Bacon Crumbles: Crispy bacon crumbles provide a salty crunch that enhances flavor.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Perfecting your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe can elevate your cooking. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
- Grate Your Cheese: Grating cheese rather than using pre-shredded options helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, gradually whisk in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season in Layers: Taste as you go; seasoning at different stages builds depth in flavor.
- Blend for Smoothness: For an ultra-creamy texture, consider blending part or all of the soup after cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination of grilled cheese pairs perfectly with creamy soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can add nutrition and variety alongside your bowl of soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted seasonal vegetables provides a healthy and tasty side option.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the soup.
- Quiche Lorraine: This savory quiche adds protein and makes for a filling meal when served with soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Broccoli Cheese Soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Stick with sharp cheddar or extra sharp for the best results.
- Skipping the onion and garlic: These ingredients add depth of flavor. Don’t skip them; sauté until fragrant before adding other ingredients.
- Not cooking the broccoli properly: Undercooked broccoli can ruin the texture. Make sure it’s tender by cooking long enough in the soup.
- Adding too much liquid at once: Gradually incorporating milk and broth helps control thickness. Pour slowly while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Ignoring seasoning: Salt and pepper enhance flavor. Taste as you go and adjust before serving for a balanced dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot. Cover to retain moisture.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it first and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make my Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe healthier?
Consider using low-fat cheese or replacing some of the heavy cream with additional milk for a lighter version.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, it becomes a vegetarian dish.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding other vegetables or spices based on your preference. Try this delightful recipe today for a cozy meal that brings warmth and satisfaction!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! This rich and creamy delight is perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal. Packed with sharp cheddar and fresh broccoli, each spoonful is bursting with flavor while still being nutritious. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a hearty bowl of this velvety soup that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or impress guests at your next gathering, this easy recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 oz Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and flour; cook for an additional minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk and chicken broth, then add the chopped broccoli.
- Cook while stirring until thickened; reduce heat to low and simmer until broccoli is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 809mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
