Introduction

Broccoli cheese soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for those chilly winter nights. Made with fresh broccoli florets and creamy cheese, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you are a fan of broccoli or not, this soup will surely change your mind with its rich and creamy texture. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and steps to make this delectable soup, as well as some variations, tips, and frequently asked questions. So let’s get started and dive into the world of broccoli cheese soup!

Ingredients

To make a flavorful and creamy broccoli cheese soup, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Broccoli

– 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets

– 1 small onion, chopped

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

2. Cheese

– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

3. Liquid

– 4 cups of vegetable broth

– 1 cup of milk

4. Seasonings

– 1/2 teaspoon of salt

– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme

– 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano

Steps

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to make this creamy and delicious broccoli cheese soup:

Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic

In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the broccoli

Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot and stir them well with the onions and garlic. Allow them to cook for a few minutes until they start to soften slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the broth

In a separate saucepan, heat the vegetable broth until it reaches a gentle simmer. This will ensure that the broth is hot when added to the soup, helping the broccoli to cook evenly.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

Pour the hot vegetable broth into the pot with the sautéed broccoli, onions, and garlic. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer the soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 6: Blend the soup

Using an immersion blender or a countertop blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids to avoid any accidents.

Step 7: Add the cheese and seasonings

Return the blended soup to the pot and place it over low heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well until the cheese is melted and all the seasonings are incorporated.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy

Ladle the hot and creamy broccoli cheese soup into bowls and serve immediately. You can garnish it with some extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for an added visual appeal. Enjoy this comforting soup with some crusty bread or a side salad.

Variations

While the classic broccoli cheese soup is already quite delicious, you can always experiment with some variations to add your own personal touch:

1. Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

If you enjoy the combination of broccoli and cauliflower, you can replace half of the broccoli florets with cauliflower florets. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make the soup even more nutritious.

2. Bacon and Broccoli Soup

For a smoky twist, you can cook some bacon separately until crispy and crumble it on top of the soup before serving. The salty and savory bacon will complement the creamy broccoli cheese soup perfectly.

3. Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup

If you like a bit of heat, you can add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick and add a new dimension of flavor.

Tips

To ensure that your broccoli cheese soup turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use fresh broccoli

Using fresh broccoli will give the soup a vibrant green color and a fresh taste. Avoid using frozen broccoli as it may become mushy and affect the texture of the soup.

2. Blend to your preferred consistency

If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend it for a shorter time to leave some small broccoli florets intact. If you like a smoother texture, blend it for a longer time until it becomes completely smooth.

3. Adjust the seasonings

Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste buds.

4. Serve with toppings

Enhance the flavor and presentation of your broccoli cheese soup by adding some delicious toppings. You can try shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream.

Conclusion

Broccoli cheese soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that combines the goodness of broccoli with the creaminess of cheese. Whether you enjoy it as a meal on its own or as a starter, this soup is sure to please your taste buds. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of this delicious soup in no time. So the next time you’re craving something warm and comforting, give this broccoli cheese soup recipe a try and indulge in its creamy goodness.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in the soup?

A1: Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are commonly used, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyere or Swiss to add different flavors to the soup.

Q2: How long can I store the leftovers?

A2: You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze the soup?

A3: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: medium

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep time

15 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

30 minutes

📊

Calories

320 kcal

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A flavorful and creamy soup made with fresh broccoli florets and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheese, perfect for chilly winter nights.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Directions

1. In a large pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add fresh broccoli florets to the pot and cook until slightly softened.
3. Heat vegetable broth in a separate saucepan until simmering, then add to the pot with broccoli.
4. Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender.
5. Blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Stir until cheese is melted.
7. Serve hot and enjoy, garnished with extra cheese or paprika.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 320

Fat: 19

Carbohydrates: 15

Protein: 22

Sodium: 950

Fiber: 4

Sugar: 8