Savor the richness of our Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, a recipe that elevates your dining experience with its blend of fresh vegetables and creamy cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup promises a delightful and healthy meal that’s both quick and customizable. It is a hit for both family dinners and special occasions.
If you’re in search of a comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy-to-make meal, then you’re in for a treat. This soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly days or when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.
One of the best things about this soup is its quick preparation time, using common ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is effortlessly manageable.
The Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup stands out for its rich, velvety texture and the perfect blend of flavors. Also, this creamy broccoli soup is a perfect way to introduce vegetables into your family’s diet; even the pickiest eater will appreciate the creaminess and smoothness of this soup.
Making it an ideal option for a cozy family dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this soup pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, creating a balanced and nourishing meal.
Get ready to indulge in a bowl of fresh homemade broccoli soup, where every spoonful is a delightful blend of creamy goodness and the heartiness of broccoli and cheese.
Let’s dive in to discover how to bring this easy broccoli cheese soup to life in your kitchen!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Simplicity and Speed: This recipe is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or for those times when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatility: Whether you’re a meat-eater, vegetarian, or on a gluten-free diet, this soup can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
- Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy soup. This recipe offers the perfect combination of cheese and broccoli, making it a satisfying comfort food.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this soup, making it a fantastic option for family meals. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor are often a hit with the younger crowd.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup reheats well, ensuring that leftovers will be just as tasty the next day. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can make a larger batch and save some for later.
- Customizable: The recipe allows for customization with various herbs, spices, and garnishes, so you can tweak it according to your taste preferences or based on what you have in your pantry.
- Elegant Yet Easy: Despite its simplicity, this soup has an elegant feel to it, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Broccoli, the star of the show, brings not only a hearty texture but also a burst of nutrients to our soup. If you’re out of fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli is a fantastic alternative. It’s just as nutritious and cuts down on prep time.
- Carrots add a subtle sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the soup’s visual appeal. In a pinch, you can substitute parsnips or even sweet potatoes, which offer a similar sweetness and texture.
- Onion is essential for building the soup’s flavor base. It imparts a savory depth that’s hard to replicate. If onions are not your thing, try leeks or shallots, which offer a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
- All-purpose flour is used to thicken the soup, giving it that classic creamy consistency. For a gluten-free version, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember, the ratio might differ slightly.
- Garlic adds an aromatic punch, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor profile. If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used. Start with a smaller amount, as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
- Chicken broth forms the soup’s liquid base and contributes to its rich flavor. Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for a vegetarian version. For a more robust flavor, you can even use beef broth.
- Cheddar cheese is the heart of the creaminess and rich flavor in this soup. If cheddar isn’t your preference or you’re out of it, try using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a mild Colby. They melt well and offer a delicious twist.
- Half and half cream brings luxurious creaminess to the soup. For a lighter version, whole milk works well. On the other end of the spectrum, for a richer soup, heavy cream can be used. For dairy-free alternatives, unsweetened almond or soy milk can work, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
To start, you need to finely chop the onion and garlic and cook them for about 2 minutes in 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.
When they become soft, add a bit of black pepper to taste and flour, then mix well to fry the flour for about 1 minute.
After lightly frying the flour, begin to gradually add the broth in a few batches, continuously stirring until you achieve a creamy consistency for our soup base.
Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the grated carrot and mix well. Now cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes, until the carrot cooks to an al dente stage.
Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into florets or bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
When the carrot is al dente, add the broccoli and cream to the pot and mix well. Cover again with the lid and let it cook for about 4 minutes until the broccoli is also well cooked.
Once the vegetables are tender, add the grated cheese and continue stirring, cooking on low heat until it fully incorporates and the soup becomes smooth and homogeneous.
The broccoli soup is ready to be served. I recommend serving it hot with croutons for an added texture and taste.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: There’s nothing like dipping a piece of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread into this creamy soup. The crispness of the bread contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the soup, making every bite a delightful experience.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect companion to this rich soup. It adds a refreshing element to your meal, balancing the creaminess of the soup with crisp, fresh flavors.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melty cheese and toasty bread make for a satisfying and filling meal, especially on chilly days.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers add a lovely charred flavor and an extra dose of nutrition to your meal.
- Baked Potato: A simple baked potato, especially with toppings like chives, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of cheese, can be a hearty addition to the meal, complementing the creamy texture and rich flavors of the soup.
- Croutons or Toasted Nuts: Add a crunchy element to your soup by topping it with homemade croutons or a sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Cheese Toasties: Similar to grilled cheese, but with a twist. Cheese toasties, possibly with added herbs or a smear of garlic butter, can be a delightful side to dunk into the soup.
😻 Storage Instructions
Quick Note: Since this soup contains dairy and cheese, it’s essential to store it promptly after serving. Leaving it at room temperature for too long can lead to bacterial growth.
Refrigerator
Your Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This prevents condensation inside the container, which could make the soup soggy and affect its texture and flavor.
Freezer
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen, although it’s important to note that dairy-based soups can change in texture once thawed. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for easy thawing and reheating.
Thawing and Reheating
To thaw frozen soup, it’s best to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup’s texture. For a quicker method, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.
When reheating, do so gently over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. This is crucial because high heat can cause the dairy in the soup to separate and curdle. If you find the soup has thickened too much after storing, you can thin it with a little bit of broth or water.
If you’re reheating in the microwave, do it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Quality of Ingredients: The flavors in this soup are straightforward, so the quality of your ingredients matters significantly. Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor. For the cheese, opt for a high-quality aged cheddar, as it melts better and offers a richer taste.
- Consistency is Key: Achieving the perfect texture is crucial for a creamy broccoli soup. When adding the all-purpose flour, ensure it’s cooked with the sautéed onions and garlic for a couple of minutes. This process, known as making a roux, helps to thicken the soup evenly and eliminates any floury taste.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add the cheddar cheese gradually and on low heat to prevent it from clumping or becoming stringy. High heat can cause the cheese to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
- Broccoli Preparation: To maintain a vibrant color and texture, don’t overcook the broccoli. It should be tender but still bright green. For a smoother soup, you can blend part of the broccoli, but leaving some florets whole adds a nice texture contrast.
- Adjusting Thickness: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it with a bit more chicken broth or half and half cream. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few additional minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Seasoning and Flavor Balancing: Taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook. The right balance of salt, pepper, and garlic is essential for a flavorful soup. Remember, the cheese also adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Low-Carb and Keto Adaptations: For a low-carb or keto broccoli cheese soup, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or another low-carb thickener and use full-fat cream instead of half and half.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this soup with a light, crisp salad for a complete meal. It’s also delightful when served in a bread bowl for an extra comforting experience.
- Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and can be gently reheated on the stove. However, avoid boiling when reheating to prevent the dairy from curdling.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great alternative to fresh broccoli in this recipe. It’s just as nutritious and can save you some prep time. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli might cook a bit faster than fresh.
Is This Soup Suitable for Vegetarians?
The basic recipe includes chicken broth, which is not vegetarian. However, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.
How Can I Thicken the Soup Without Flour?
If you need to avoid flour, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Another option is to puree a portion of the soup to thicken it naturally. This method also increases the broccoli flavor of the soup.
📋 Recipe Card:
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1 Garlic
- 1 Onion
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 cup Broth
- 1 Carrot small
- 1 ½ cup Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Half and Half Cream
- 1 cup Cheddar
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft, about 2 minutes.1 Garlic, 1 Onion, 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- Season with black pepper. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.2 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- Gradually add broth, stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.1 cup Broth
- Mix in grated carrot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes, until carrot is al dente.1 Carrot
- Add broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in cream and mix well. Cover and cook for another 4 minutes, or until broccoli is tender.1 ½ cup Broccoli florets, 1 cup Half and Half Cream
- Stir in grated cheese and continue cooking on low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.1 cup Cheddar, Salt, Black Pepper
- Serve hot, topped with croutons for added texture and taste.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Cheese Tips: For the best melting and flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the soup.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add more broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if you like it thicker, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or use a bit more flour in the roux.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to personalize the soup with your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf can add a lovely depth of flavor. Just remember to remove any whole herbs like bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish Options: Enhance your soup with garnishes like a sprinkle of extra cheese, fresh chopped parsley, croutons, or a swirl of cream. These not only add flavor but also make for a more visually appealing dish.
- Handling Leftovers: If the soup thickens in the fridge, thin it out with a little broth or milk when reheating. Stir well to ensure it returns to a creamy consistency.
- Broccoli Stems: Don’t waste the broccoli stems! They can be peeled and diced, then added to the soup for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- No Immersion Blender? No Problem: If you don’t have an immersion blender but want a smoother soup, carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
Nutrition Estimates
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Whether you followed the recipe to the letter or added your own creative twist, your insights and variations could be incredibly helpful and inspiring for others. Let’s build a community of soup lovers and share the warmth!
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