Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and richness of a creamy, velvety bowl of broccoli cheese soup. This recipe combines fresh broccoli, savory cheese, and a smooth, flavorful broth into a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need something comforting, this Broccoli Cheese Soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Made with simple ingredients, this soup is easy to whip up and can be customized to suit your preferences. Its rich, cheesy flavor is perfectly complemented by the tender broccoli, making each spoonful irresistible. If you’re a fan of creamy soups with a cheesy twist, this recipe is one you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of heavy cream and cheese creates a luxuriously creamy soup that coats your taste buds with every bite. It’s the perfect balance of richness and flavor.

2. Packed with Nutrition

While indulgent, this soup is also loaded with fresh broccoli, which is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist.

3. Quick and Easy

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is ready in just about 40 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a dish that doesn’t require much effort but yields delicious results.

4. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the cheese for a different flavor profile, or add extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for added texture and nutrients.

5. Great for Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers. The flavors only deepen as it sits!

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Croutons for garnish (optional)

Variations

• Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutrition of this soup by adding vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. These can be added along with the broccoli.
• Different Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can mix in other varieties like gouda, mozzarella, or even a bit of parmesan for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version of this soup. Vegetable broth and olive oil can replace the butter.

How to Make the Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the pot with the vegetables and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir, until it turns slightly golden.

Step 3: Add the Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Once the soup reaches a boil, add the broccoli florets and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave some pieces of broccoli intact.

Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if desired) to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw it first before adding to the soup.
• Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, simply add more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
• For a Creamier Soup: Add a bit more heavy cream for extra richness or stir in a dollop of sour cream for an added tangy touch.

How to Serve

This creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is perfect as a comforting starter or a main dish. Pair it with some crispy croutons or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping, making it the ultimate cozy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch to freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a mixture of milk and melted butter for a similar texture.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Yes! Carrots, cauliflower, or spinach make great additions to this soup. Add them alongside the broccoli.

4. How can I make the soup spicier?

For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes to the soup. Adjust the heat to your liking.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can use plant-based cream, vegan cheese, and vegetable broth to make a dairy-free version of this soup.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

7. How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Leftover soup will last in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can blend the soup in batches using a regular blender. Just let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan.

10. How can I make the soup thicker?

If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer to reduce, or add a little more flour to thicken it up.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, cheesy comfort food. With its smooth texture, vibrant flavor, and simple ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or making it for a special occasion, this soup is always a hit. Serve it with your favorite garnishes and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

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