Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Truly the BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! This dish is perfectly cheesy, hearty, rich, and creamy. It’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. Pair it with fresh bread for a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in about 25 minutes.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a wonderfully rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a comforting side dish; it works well in any setting.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli, this soup not only tastes good but also provides essential nutrients.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week for quick and satisfying meals.
Tools and Preparation
To create the best Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space for all ingredients.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing the ingredients smoothly, preventing lumps when adding flour and liquids.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup without spills and ensuring each bowl gets enough cheese goodness.
Ingredients
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)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
– 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
– salt and freshly ground black pepper, (to taste)
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter
Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in onions and cook while stirring frequently until nearly soft, about 4 – 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Add in garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux.
Step 3: Incorporate Milk and Broth
While whisking continuously, slowly pour in low-fat milk followed by chicken broth. Stir in broccoli florets until well combined.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
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, about 6 – 8 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream followed by sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm with additional cheddar on top if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Serving your Broccoli Cheese Soup is just as important as making it. A well-presented dish enhances the dining experience and can make your meal more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread – The rich flavors of garlic bread complement the cheesiness of the soup beautifully.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Sprinkle additional sharp cheddar on top for a gooey finish.
- Parmesan Crust – Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and broil briefly for a crunchy topping.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- Flavorful Touch – A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and an elegant touch to each bowl.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Edible Bowls – Hollow out small sourdough loaves to create bread bowls that add flavor and fun to your serving!
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
To ensure your Broccoli Cheese Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh broccoli and quality cheese will enhance the flavor immensely.
- Adjust Thickness – If the soup is too thick, simply whisk in more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cook on Low Heat – After thickening, cooking on low heat helps develop flavors without burning.
- Taste as You Go – Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper throughout the process for the best flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
A delicious soup deserves equally delightful side dishes. Here are some great options that pair perfectly with your Broccoli Cheese Soup.
- Garden Salad – A fresh garden salad with mixed greens provides a light contrast to the creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and depth to your meal while being healthy.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers can be a hearty addition that complements the richness of the soup.
- Crackers or Crostini – Crunchy crackers or toasted crostini offer a satisfying crunch alongside each spoonful.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit when paired with warm, cheesy soup.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges provide a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of broccoli cheese soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that might affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch for:
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking the broccoli too long can make it mushy. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time and stop when it’s tender but still bright green.
- Not Whisking Properly: Failing to whisk while adding liquids can lead to lumps in your soup. Always whisk continuously when pouring in milk and broth to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Using poor-quality cheese can alter the flavor and texture of your soup. Opt for fresh, sharp cheddar cheese for the best results.
- Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season your soup can make it bland. Always taste before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Adding Too Much Flour: Adding too much flour can cause your soup to become overly thick. Measure carefully and add gradually if you need a thicker consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it directly to the pot during cooking.
What type of cheese is best for Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor, but you can mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.
How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while heating.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this delicious soup.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices. Give it a try; it’s perfect for any meal or cozy night in!
Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, this delightful dish combines tender broccoli florets with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an easy choice for a cozy dinner at home or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it alongside crusty bread or in a warm bread bowl for an unforgettable meal that everyone will love!
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
- 1 (14.5 oz) can low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups packed finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 oz finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onions until soft (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and flour; stir for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in low-fat milk and chicken broth; mix in broccoli florets.
- Cook while stirring until thickened; reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender (6-8 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
