Truly the BEST Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! This delightful soup is perfectly cheesy, hearty, rich, and creamy. It’s super easy to make, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Pair it with fresh bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting dish any time of the year!
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.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich and creamy, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of broccoli and cheese creates a flavor that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes about 8 cups, perfect for leftovers or freezing for later.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh broccoli and dairy, it provides a good balance of nutrients while still being indulgent.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe without any interruptions.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Whisk: Helps to combine liquids smoothly without lumps, ensuring a creamy texture in your soup.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous portions of your hearty broccoli cheese soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Broccoli and Cheese
- 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 the Butter
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the onions and cook, stirring frequently until they are nearly soft, about 4 – 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour
Add in the minced garlic and flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 3: Pour in Liquids
While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the milk followed by the chicken broth. Stir in the chopped broccoli.
Step 4: Thicken the Mixture
Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low and allow it to cook further, stirring very frequently until the broccoli is tender, which should take about 6 – 8 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cheese
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream followed by cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until all cheeses are melted and combined smoothly.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve warm with additional cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup!
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Serving broccoli cheese soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dining experience with this creamy, cheesy dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the soup perfectly and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Topped with Extras
- Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more sharp cheddar on top before serving for added cheesiness.
- Croutons: Add crunchy croutons for texture and a satisfying crunch with every spoonful.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens: Tossed mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the creamy soup nicely.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve your broccoli cheese soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible serving dish.
How to Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
To achieve the best broccoli cheese soup, consider these essential tips. They will help you create a creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
- Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide the best flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Shred Your Cheese: Grating your cheddar cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the soup without clumping.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning the dish.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with broccoli cheese soup can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider that complement its rich flavors.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that never fails. Use different cheeses for added flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add a healthy and colorful side that balances the creamy soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and fiber while keeping the meal nutritious.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with grains or meat make for a hearty accompaniment.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness and acidity of coleslaw can brighten up the rich flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup is easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to steer clear of them:
- Using the wrong cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Stick to sharp cheddar or extra sharp for the best results in your Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
- Overcooking broccoli: Cook broccoli just until tender. This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from becoming mushy in your soup.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the flour: Flour helps thicken the soup. Make sure to add it when cooking the onions and garlic to create a smooth texture.
- Adding cold ingredients: Cold milk or broth can shock your soup, causing separation. Warm them slightly before adding to ensure a creamy consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor.
Freezing Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries regarding the Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works well; just ensure it is thawed and drained before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and check your cheese for any animal rennet.
What can I serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I customize the cheese used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe is truly comforting and versatile, making it perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave something warm. Its rich, creamy texture can be customized with various cheeses or vegetables, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe! This creamy, cheesy delight is not only rich and hearty but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a warm bowl of goodness that pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or crispy croutons. The delightful blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese will satisfy both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds. Enjoy this nourishing soup any time of the year, whether you’re battling the winter chill or simply craving a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 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 finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and flour; cook for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, then add chopped broccoli.
- Cook on low heat while stirring until thickened and broccoli is tender, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
