Description
Warm and inviting broccoli cheese soup delivers rich, velvety comfort in each spoonful. Cheese melts perfectly with tender broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you will savor from first to last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can chicken broth
Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus 2 additional tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Sauté finely chopped onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and flour to the pot, rapidly stirring for 60 seconds to create a smooth base without scorching the ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth into the mixture, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add fresh, chopped broccoli florets and maintain steady stirring until the liquid begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low, allowing the broccoli to simmer gently. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring vegetables become tender but retain a slight crunch.
- Remove pot from heat and fold in heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and forming a silky, uniform consistency.
- Enhance flavor profile by seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Adjust taste according to preference. Ladle into warmed bowls and optionally garnish with additional cheese for extra richness.
Notes
- Boost the nutritional value by using low-sodium chicken broth and whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Enhance the soup’s creaminess by blending half the broccoli before adding cheese, creating a smoother texture while maintaining some vegetable chunks.
- Make it vegetarian-friendly by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth and using plant-based cheese alternatives for a delicious dairy-free version.
- Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by removing the pot from heat before adding cheese and stirring slowly to ensure a silky, smooth consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 415
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg