Description
Creamy broccoli cheese soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich cheddar with tender broccoli florets. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic American comfort classic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (preferably sharp cheddar)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 56 grams) butter
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) flour
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a flavorful base by sautéing diced onions in melted butter over medium-high heat until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Introduce minced garlic and flour to the sautéed onions, stirring continuously to create a fragrant roux that will help thicken the soup.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth liquid foundation.
- Add fresh broccoli florets to the liquid mixture, allowing them to simmer and infuse their vibrant green flavor into the developing soup.
- Allow the soup to gently simmer, stirring frequently, until the liquid begins to thicken and the broccoli starts to soften but remains slightly crisp.
- Reduce the heat and continue cooking, periodically stirring, until the broccoli reaches a tender consistency without becoming mushy.
- Enrich the soup by stirring in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
- Incorporate sharp cheddar and nutty parmesan cheeses, gently folding them into the soup until they melt completely and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Serve the soup piping hot, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese for added richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of liquid, ensuring a perfect creamy consistency without being too runny or dense.
- Enhance flavor depth by using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring gently until smoothly incorporated.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the soup’s rich texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg