Comfort in a Bowl Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving something warm and comforting? Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy , cheesy, and the ultimate winter warmer.
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I need a hug in a bowl.
Brief Overview
This classic soup has humble origins, likely born in home kitchens wanting to use up leftover veggies. This easy broccoli soup recipe is straightforward and takes only 40 minutes from start to finish.
The recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Main Benefits
This comfort food soup recipe is loaded with vitamins and fiber, making it a surprisingly healthy indulgence. It's perfect for a cosy night in, and it's guaranteed to be a family favourite.
What makes it special? It's the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and veggie goodness! I found that after a hard day I need a large bowl of this soup!
Let's get started with the ingredients you'll need for this homemade soup recipe .
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this creamy delight, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for richer flavor)
- 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4 cups (about 400g) broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups (about 200g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice!)
- Optional: Pinch of nutmeg
It's Cooking Time!
Time to get your hands dirty, folks! I love the smell of onions and garlic hitting that melted butter.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's chat ingredients. Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy and dreamy. That's if you use the right stuff! This isn't your average Cheddar Soup Recipe , it's going to be amazing .
Main Ingredients
Here is the stuff we're using in our Homemade soup recipes recipe, and why:
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Yellow onion: 1 medium (1 cup/150g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup (30g) .
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (950ml) . I use chicken broth for more flavour.
- Whole milk: 2 cups (470ml) .
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon .
- Salt: ½ teaspoon , or to taste.
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
- Broccoli florets: 4 cups (400g) , bite sized. Make sure the florets are a nice dark green.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g) , shredded. Freshly grated is best!
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch.
Honestly, good cheese matters. Pre-shredded cheese can be a bit rubbish. It doesn’t melt as well. So, get a block and grate it yourself.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavour. Dijon mustard adds a nice tang. A tiny pinch of nutmeg is amazing. For a Comfort food soup recipes , don't forget the salt and pepper! Think about the Quiznos Broccoli Cheddar Soup , this is better!.
Some Creamy vegetable soup recipes benefit from that little kick. If you want some heat, use red pepper flakes!.
Equipment Needed
This is a simple soup. You don't need much gear!
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Wooden spoon.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
- Immersion blender (optional).
A blender makes it smoother. However, this Easy broccoli soup recipe is great either way. You can use a normal blender, if you are careful! Remember to let the steam out.
Honestly, this Copycat Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup is going to rock your world. You got this! This Broccoli And Cheese soup is the best.
Cooking Up Comfort: Broccoli Cheese Soup Magic
Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy. Honestly, who doesn't love a good bowl of Cheddar Soup Recipe on a chilly day? It's the ultimate Comfort food soup recipes ! And this recipe? Well, it's like a warm hug in a bowl.
We're talking seriously delicious, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying. Forget the Copycat Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup or even Quiznos Broccoli Cheddar Soup we're making the Best broccoli cheese soup right here at home.
My gran used to say " Cheese Soup makes everything better", and she was right.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get our mise en place sorted. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion, mince those 2 cloves garlic (don't skimp!), and measure out your ¼ cup (30g) flour.
This is essential for any Homemade soup recipes . Cut 4 cups (about 400g) broccoli into bite sized pieces. Trust me, having everything ready saves a bunch of time and stress later.
Safety reminder: Keep those fingers away from the blade!
step-by-step to Soup Nirvana
- Melt 2 tablespoons (30ml) of butter in your pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until softened, about 5 minutes . Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1- 2 minutes .
- Gradually whisk in 4 cups (950ml) of vegetable broth until smooth. Stir in 2 cups (470ml) of whole milk .
- Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Simmer.
- Add the broccoli and cook until tender crisp, about 8- 10 minutes . Don't overcook it!
- Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups (about 200g) of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Pro Tips: Soup Savvy
Want to take your soup to the next level? Grate your own cheese. Honestly, it melts so much better. I sometimes use pre-shredded but if I can buy a block and grate it at home, is just next level.
If you want a smoother soup, use an immersion blender carefully while it's still hot. Avoid adding the cheese while the pot is still on the heat or it can become grainy.
You can also get this Easy broccoli soup recipe done a day in advance, just leave out the cheese until you're ready to serve.
This Creamy vegetable soup recipes , is just the ultimate Broccoli And Cheese comfort food
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Broccoli Cheese Soup
Alright, let's talk about the little tweaks and tips that'll make your Broccoli Cheese Soup truly sing! This isn't just another Cheddar Soup Recipe ; it's your version.
Honestly, these notes are gold!
Serving It Up: Presentation is Key!
Presentation matters, you know? Forget just ladling the soup into a bowl. How about a swirl of cream? A sprinkle of paprika? For a posh touch, use some fresh herbs.
Think chives or parsley. Serve it with crusty bread. Grilled cheese croutons? Oh my gosh, yes! This Comfort food soup recipes is best enjoyed hot.
Don't forget a refreshing drink!
Storage: Keep That Soup Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Pop it in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Want to freeze it? You can! But, bear in mind, the texture might change slightly. Freezing options are great for meal prepping.
Defrost thoroughly. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir often to keep it smooth. Honestly, who doesn't love a bowl of Cheese Soup ready in minutes?
Remix Time: Variations Galore!
Want to mix it up? I get it! Let's adapt this to your needs. Need a Creamy vegetable soup recipes option? Easy.
Swap regular milk with a plant based alternative. You can also grab some vegan cheese to turn your recipe into Broccoli And Cheese soup heaven!.
Want a bit of spice? Throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper. Feel like trying a fall version? Try it out.
Nutrition Scoop: Goodness in Every Spoonful
Let's keep it real. This Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy and cheesy. Broccoli And Cheese it is! But it has goodness too.
It's packed with vitamins from the broccoli. Plus, protein from the cheese. Of course, it's not a health food. But, it's a comforting, satisfying meal.
Perfect when you need a bit of a hug in a bowl.
So, there you have it! Your guide to the best Broccoli Cheese Soup ever. This Easy broccoli soup recipe isn't difficult.
With these tips, you will shine. Experiment. Have fun. And most importantly, enjoy every single spoonful. Make this Copycat Mcalisters Broccoli Cheddar Soup and make it your own.
Homemade soup recipes are the best. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my Broccoli Cheese Soup is creamy? What am I doing wrong?
A grainy or thin Broccoli Cheese Soup often comes down to a few things. Firstly, make sure you're melting the cheese off the heat to prevent it from separating. Secondly, grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded is a game changer as pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose, which doesn't melt as smoothly.
And lastly, don't skip the roux! The roux is the butter and flour mixture at the beginning; it’s the secret weapon to a luxuriously creamy soup.
How can I make my Broccoli Cheese Soup extra creamy?
If you want to dial up the creaminess to eleven, try a couple of tricks! Swapping some of the milk for half and-half or even a touch of heavy cream will make it extra indulgent. For a super smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after the broccoli is cooked, but before adding the cheese.
Just be careful when blending hot liquids!
Can I make Broccoli Cheese Soup ahead of time? And how should I store it?
Absolutely! Broccoli Cheese Soup is a great make-ahead dish, just like a good shepherd's pie. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, do so gently over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Is Broccoli Cheese Soup healthy? How can I make it healthier?
Broccoli Cheese Soup can be a reasonably healthy comfort food, especially with all that broccoli! To lighten it up, use low-fat milk, reduce the amount of cheese, and bulk up the broccoli content. You could also use whole wheat flour for the roux or add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients.
Remember that even healthy food should be delicious, so find the balance that works for you!
Can I freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Freezing Broccoli Cheese Soup can be a bit tricky because dairy based soups can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing, a bit like a bad relationship break-up. However, if you're determined, leave out the cheese, and any milk or cream until after thawing.
Cook the soup base (broth, broccoli, and roux), let it cool completely, and then freeze it. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then add the cheese and milk or cream while reheating.
My Broccoli Cheese Soup is too thick! How do I thin it out?
Easy fix! If your Broccoli Cheese Soup is too thick, simply stir in a little extra broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Add it gradually, about ¼ cup at a time, until it's just right. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away, so a little bit at a time is the key.
Comfort In A Bowl Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250-350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
