Description
Creamy broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to winter dinner tables with its rich, velvety texture. Packed with tender broccoli and melted cheese, this hearty soup delivers a satisfying meal that you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli florets (packed)
- 10 ounces (2.5 cups) sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Liquid Base:
- 3.75 cups low-fat milk, with extra as needed to thin
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 ounce (0.33 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large garlic clove, finely minced
- 0.25 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high temperature. Sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 4-5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and flour, stirring continuously for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste and infuse aromatic flavors.
- Gradually whisk milk into the pot, preventing lumps from forming. Pour chicken broth and add finely chopped broccoli. Stir mixture while heating, allowing it to thicken over several minutes.
- Reduce heat to low once soup begins to thicken. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure broccoli becomes tender yet maintains a vibrant green color. Adjust consistency by adding milk if soup becomes too dense.
- Remove pot from heat. Blend in heavy cream, then gradually incorporate cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Transfer soup into serving bowls. Optionally garnish with additional melted cheddar cheese for extra richness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Prevent lumpy sauce by gradually whisking milk into the roux, maintaining steady motion and consistent temperature.
- Choose fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, deep green florets to ensure maximum flavor and nutritional quality.
- add more milk or broth if too thick, simmer longer if too thin.
- Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda for deeper taste profiles.
- Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like cauliflower or carrots without compromising the soup’s creamy texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Elevate protein content by adding cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham as delicious optional mix-ins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg