Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe – Creamy & Comforting

Introduction

Broccoli Cheese Soup is more than just a dish; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a comfort classic that never fails to delight. Whether you’re seeking solace on a cold day or simply craving a creamy, cheesy goodness, this soup stands as a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of making the perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup, from classic recipes to innovative twists that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.

The Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Make the Roux: Add the 1/4 cup melted butter to the pot, then stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is golden and smooth.
3. Add Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
4. Add Broccoli and Carrots: Add the chopped broccoli and julienned carrots to the pot. Cook over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Season: Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
6. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Serve: Check the consistency and adjust if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or cream. Serve hot.

Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup with Milk

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 pound fresh broccoli, chopped
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Onion: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Make Roux: Add the butter to the pot and melt it with the onion. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture is smooth and golden.
3. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently.
4. Add Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli to the pot. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
5. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup has reached your desired consistency, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy it hot!

Both of these recipes offer a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days. The classic version is a bit richer, thanks to the use of half-and-half and more butter, while the easy version with milk is a lighter alternative. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious broccoli cheese soups!

Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Nutritious Twist

By making a few adjustments, you can prepare a soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s a recipe that incorporates whole ingredients and makes a few swaps to increase the nutritional content without compromising on taste.

Creating a healthier version of the classic Broccoli Cheese Soup doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. By making a few adjustments, you can prepare a soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s a recipe that incorporates whole ingredients and makes a few swaps to increase the nutritional content without compromising on taste.

Healthy Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Nutritious Twist

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup carrot, shredded
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any non-dairy milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, or a low-fat version
• Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for added flavor and vitamins

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Simmer Broccoli and Carrots: Add the vegetable broth, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Blend for Creaminess: Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then mix it back into the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
5. Incorporate Non-Dairy Milk: Add the almond milk to the pot and stir well. Heat the soup until it’s warm but not boiling (to prevent the non-dairy milk from separating).
6. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the soup is creamy. If using, stir in the nutritional yeast for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
7. Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Both are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and have cancer-fighting compounds.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which is good for eye health.
• Olive Oil: A healthier fat that’s good for your heart.
• Almond Milk: A dairy-free alternative that reduces calories and fat without sacrificing creaminess.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor along with B vitamins, protein, and fiber.

This healthier version of Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy, delicious, and packed with nutrients. It’s a comforting meal that you can feel good about serving to your family. Enjoy!

Exploring Cheese Options: Velveeta vs. Cheddar

When it comes to making Broccoli Cheese Soup, the choice of cheese can significantly affect both the flavor and texture of the soup. Two popular options are Velveeta and Cheddar, each bringing its unique characteristics to the dish. Let’s explore how these cheeses fare in Broccoli Cheese Soup and discuss the best cheese options for achieving that perfect melt in your soup.

Broccoli Cheese Soup with Velveeta

Velveeta is known for its smooth melting properties, making it a popular choice for creamy dishes like Broccoli Cheese Soup. It’s a processed cheese product that melts exceptionally well without separating or becoming oily, which can be an issue with some natural cheeses.

Advantages of Velveeta:

• Creamy Texture: Velveeta melts into a perfectly smooth texture, ideal for a creamy soup.
• Consistent Melting: It melts evenly and consistently, ensuring no clumps in your soup.
• Mild Flavor: Velveeta has a mild, creamy taste that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Velveeta Recipe Highlight: Use Velveeta as the primary cheese for a super smooth and creamy soup. Combine it with chicken or vegetable broth, broccoli, and your base (a roux or cream base), and you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup with a uniform and silky texture.

Best Cheese to Melt in Soup: Cheddar and Alternatives

Cheddar cheese is another popular choice for Broccoli Cheese Soup, known for its sharp, tangy flavor that adds depth to the soup. However, not all cheddar melts the same; high-quality, medium to sharp cheddar tends to melt better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded varieties, which may include anti-caking agents affecting meltability.

Advantages of Cheddar:

• Rich Flavor: Cheddar offers a depth of flavor, ranging from mild to extra sharp.
• Good Melting Properties: When used correctly, cheddar can melt into the soup, especially if you grate it yourself and add it slowly into the soup off the heat.
• Versatility: Cheddar’s range of flavors allows you to customize the soup’s taste to your liking.

Tips for Using Cheddar:

• Opt for block cheddar that you grate yourself for better melting.
• Add the cheese gradually to a slightly cooled base to prevent separation.
• Consider combining cheddar with a melting cheese like American or a bit of cream cheese to improve texture.

Other Cheeses for Melting in Soup:

• Gruyère: Offers a nutty flavor and melts beautifully, making it ideal for a more gourmet version of the soup.
• Fontina: Known for its creamy melt and mild, slightly nutty flavor.
• American Cheese: While not as flavorful as others, it melts smoothly and can be used in combination with more flavorful cheeses.

Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup: Low Carb Delight

This version of the soup maximizes flavor without adding carbs, making it a delicious and comforting dish that fits into a keto lifestyle. Here’s how to make a creamy, satisfying Keto Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional, can be reduced or omitted to lower carbs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (ensure it’s low-carb)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite keto-friendly cheeses)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a bit of spice)
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening without adding carbs)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion (if using) and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer. If you’re using xanthan gum for thickening, sprinkle it over the soup now, whisking vigorously to prevent clumping.
4. Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup directly in the pot, leaving the rest chunky for texture. This step is optional and based on your texture preference.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
6. Serve: Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Keto Soup:

• Cheese Selection: Use a high-quality, full-fat cheese that melts well. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains additives that can increase the carb count.
• Thickening the Soup: Xanthan gum is a great keto-friendly thickener, but it must be used sparingly to avoid a slimy texture. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• Nutritional Information: Always calculate your soup’s nutritional information based on the specific ingredients you use, as brands and types of ingredients can vary significantly in carb counts.

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Soul

This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something hearty yet nutritious. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup carrot, shredded or finely diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Optional garnishes: extra cheese, fresh parsley, or green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the chicken broth to the pot along with the broccoli and carrot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Thicken the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the flour with a small amount of milk to create a smooth paste. Add this mixture to the pot along with the rest of the milk or half-and-half. Stir well and bring to a light simmer until the soup begins to thicken.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. Gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or sliced green onions if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Soup:

• Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) saves time and adds flavor. You can also cook the chicken in the broth before adding the vegetables for an all-in-one pot meal.
• Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, choose a good quality sharp cheddar and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture.
• Broth: Using a high-quality chicken broth or making your own can significantly enhance the soup’s flavor.
• Creaminess: For a richer soup, use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream. For a lighter version, whole milk or a low-fat option works well.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

For those who enjoy a little spice and heartiness alongside their soup, the Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta offers a delightful contrast. The pasta’s creamy texture and the Cajun seasoning’s warmth make it a robust side that pairs beautifully with the soup’s comforting embrace.

2. 10-Minute Bourbon Chicken

Another excellent pairing is the 10-Minute Bourbon Chicken Recipe, which provides a sweet and savory counterpoint to the creamy soup. This dish adds a quick and flavorful protein option that complements the soup without overwhelming it.

Artisanal Bread

No soup meal is complete without a piece of crusty, artisanal bread for dipping. The bread’s crunch and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the soup, ensuring you enjoy every last drop. For those interested in baking their own, King Arthur Baking’s No-Knead Crusty White Bread Recipe is a fantastic option that’s both easy and rewarding, producing a crusty, golden loaf that’s moist inside and filled with flavor.

Fresh Salad

A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing side that cleanses the palate. Opt for a simple green salad or a more elaborate one with nuts and fruits for added texture and flavor. Epicurious offers a variety of salad recipes that can complement any soup, including Broccoli Cheese Soup, with fresh and vibrant ingredients for every season.

FAQs

• What is the best cheese to melt in soup? Sharp cheddar for flavor and Velveeta for smoothness are top choices. Gruyère and Fontina also melt well and add rich taste.
• What is broccoli cheese soup made of? It typically includes broccoli, cheese (like cheddar or Velveeta), milk or cream, broth, and seasonings, thickened with flour or cornstarch.
• Why does my broccoli soup taste bland? It may need more salt, pepper, or cheese. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or using broth instead of water can also enhance flavor.
• How do you thicken broccoli cheese soup? Use a roux of butter and flour, add a cornstarch slurry, blend some of the broccoli into the soup, or incorporate cream or cream cheese.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Soup stands as a testament to the joy of simple, comforting meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this soup offers endless possibilities for customization and enjoyment. So, grab your spoon, and let’s dive into the cozy world of Broccoli Cheese Soup.