Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any meal. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich creamy base, it combines fresh vegetables with indulgent flavors to create a warm bowl of comfort. Easy to prepare in about 40 minutes and serves 6, this soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want a satisfying, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Croutons for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir continuously for about 1 to 2 minutes to cook the flour and create a roux which will thicken the soup.
- Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Broccoli: Once boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth for a creamy texture. For a chunkier soup, blend only half and leave the other half as is.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese fully melts and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons if desired, to add a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor, but frozen broccoli florets can be a convenient substitute.
- To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or cook the soup a few minutes longer to evaporate excess liquid.
- Adjust the cheese type and quantity to your preference for different flavors and textures.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
