What is comfort food?Broccoli Cheese Soup: What. Think of those chilly evenings when all you crave is a warm hug in the bowl. What is this recipe for? What are some of the best cheesy broccoli recipes? Is it as good as a Grilled Cheese Sandwich? I swear, even my pickiest eaters slurp this one right up. Is there a way to try something?
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What is Broccoli cheese soup?
What exactly is “is”?Broccoli Cheese Soup: WhatWhat is essentially a velvety smooth soup featuring tender broccoli florets swimming in an decadent chocolate sauce. Think of it as the Ultimate Comfort food mashup. What is the kind of soup that sticks to your ribs and warms you from the inside out? What is a name? When done right, it’s a culinary masterpiece! What are some good appetizers to serve with a crusty bread? What are some good ways to sneak veggies into your diet? I’ve even added cauliflower to it, and it just melts in and adds even more creaminess.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin?Broccoli Cheese Soup: WhatWhat are some of the best recipes ever made? We’re talking a rich, cheesy base that’s perfectly balanced with the earthy notes of broccoli. Is it just a cheese flavor? We use a blend of cheeses to get that really complex, sharp, savory taste. I always add a pinch of nutmeg to my soup. It really elevates it.
Is it easy to make a weeknight dinner? No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights. What I love about this is how adaptable it is. Can you use fresh or frozen broccoli? How do you adjust the cheese blend to your liking? Can you add a little kick to grilled cheese with hot sauce? I’ve made it with plant-based cheese and it was still amazing!
Let’s not forget about cost-efficiency. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly option for feeding family members. What are some of the best ways to make a big batch of Ice Cream? Is it freezes well? Think of it as a warm, cheesy hug available at any moment. I think the best part is its versatility. Can you serve it as a starter, side, or complete meal with some grilled chicken or salad? What’s not to love?
How do you make Broccoli cheese soup?
Quick Overview
Making this amazing amazing.Broccoli Cheese Soup: WhatIs it simpler than you think? Basically, you’re going to sauté some aromatics, add your broccoli and broth, simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Then blend it all up with a generous amount of cheese. What is the secret to a good cheese blend and not overcooking broccoli? What keeps it from getting that “off” taste? Is an immersion blender your best friend? How do you make soup without using a blender?
Ingredients
For the Base:
* 2 tablespoons butter: I always use unsalted so I can control the salt level.
* 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great. I prefer yellow for its slightly sweeter flavor.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced is always best, but jarred minced garlic will do in a pinch.
* 4 cups vegetable broth: You can also use chicken broth for a richer flavor. I’ve even used bone broth when I am feeling fancy!
* 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, but if using frozen don’t thaw them first.
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: This is optional, but trust me, it adds a lovely warmth.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously!
What is the cheese sauce?
What is the best way to make soup? Whole milk or almond milk? I used almond milk for this recipe and it made it creamier. I’ve tested it with coconut milk.
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is the key to a really creamy soup. Make sure it’s softened or it won’t blend properly.
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I like to use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: This adds a lovely meltiness and mild flavor.
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy kick!
How do I follow the
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook minced garlic? How do you burn garlic?
Step 2: Add Broccoli and Broth
Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. I always check with a fork – it should pierce easily.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth. Remove the pot from the heat and set aside. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender. When blending hot liquids, be very careful! Hold the lid down tightly with a towel to prevent splattering.
Step 4: Make it Cheesy
Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the milk and Cream Cheese until completely melted and smooth. Where does magic happen?
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. When the cheese is melted, the soup is smooth and creamy. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, add it now. I like to add a little bit of water to make sure everything melts evenly. I have to do this for ages.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season soup with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Okay, so you’ve got a pot of delicious. I’m not going to lie, I haveBroccoli Cheese Soup: WhatWhat are the possibilities? What are some of the best soups to make?
I love a simple lunch with homemade croutons. I serve them with grilled chicken or ham. What is better than dipping bread into the cheesy goodness? As a starter, it’s perfect alongside Grilled Cheese Sandwich (double the cheese, double the fun! ), a side salad, or even some roasted vegetables. I often make a big batch and serve it with dozens of sides so everyone can customize their meal.
If you want to make it a more substantial meal, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp. Chopped ham or bacon are also great additions. If you’re a vegetarian, consider adding some cooked quinoa or lentils. My family tradition is to serve it with a dollop of sour cream and chives. What are some good ways to add color to a shirt?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Broccoli Cheese Soup
Alright, friends, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to take your Broccoli Cheese Soup from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve made this soup countless times, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.
Broccoli Prep: Don’t overcook the broccoli! That’s the biggest mistake I see people make. Overcooked broccoli gets mushy and releases a sulfurous flavor that can ruin the whole soup. Simmer it just until it’s tender-crisp.
Mixing Advice: When adding the cheese, stir constantly and don’t let the soup boil. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and the soup to become grainy. Low and slow is the key here.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, Swiss, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add interesting flavors. Just make sure they melt well. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt, but it will change the texture slightly.
Baking Tips: Okay, so you can’t bake a soup. Ha. But I think sometimes if I am making a Grilled Cheese I sprinkle some parmesan around the bread in the pan for a little crisp and flavor.
Glaze Variations: Okay also not really for soup, right? But I think if I wanted to elevate this, I could add some Crispy Fried shallots on top for an extra crunch.
And finally, don’t be afraid to season generously! Salt and pepper are your friends. They really bring out the flavors of the broccoli and cheese. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. Happy cooking!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a big batch of Broccoli Cheese Soup (because who can resist?). Now, let’s talk about storing it and reheating it so you can enjoy it later.
Refrigerator Storage: The best way to store leftover soup is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it to prevent bacterial growth. I usually divide it into smaller containers for easy single servings.
Freezer Instructions: Yes, you can freeze this soup! However, the texture may change slightly after thawing. The cheese sauce can sometimes become a little grainy. To minimize this, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Lay the bags flat in the freezer for easy storage. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Glaze Timing Advice: Of course there is no glaze. So I recommend some fresh herbs and maybe a swirl of cream when serving.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup is too thick, add a little milk or broth to thin it out. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Be sure to stir it frequently while reheating to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. This recipe is a staple in my house, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. If you enjoy this, you should really check out my other soup recipes – my tomato basil soup is another family favorite. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear about your variations and serving suggestions. Happy cooking!
Deluxe Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk for creaminess
- 3 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika for color
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder adds flavor depth
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- to taste salt seasoning
- to taste black pepper seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they're translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the flour, cooking for a minute.
- Slowly whisk in the broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Let it simmer gently.
- Toss in the broccoli and carrots. Allow them to cook until tender.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted into a smooth consistency.
- Season with paprika, mustard powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Adjust for taste.
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy delight!
