Description
Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich cheddar with tender broccoli florets. Warm spices and smooth texture invite you to savor each comforting spoonful, making this classic soup a delightful winter companion.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base:
- 3 1/4 cups low-fat milk, plus more to thin if desired
- 1 (14.5 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 3 cups (packed) finely chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 large clove garlic, finely minced
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (2 1/2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 ounce (1/3 cup) finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 6 tablespoons butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
- 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and melt butter over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their delicate aromatics.
- Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, then sprinkle flour evenly, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will provide the soup’s rich foundation.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, stirring vigorously to eliminate any potential flour clumps, creating a silky liquid base for the soup.
- Gently fold chopped broccoli florets into the liquid mixture, allowing them to simmer and tenderize while the soup gradually thickens.
- Lower the heat and let the broccoli cook until it reaches a perfectly tender consistency, stirring periodically to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the pot from heat and swirl in heavy cream, transforming the soup’s texture into a luxurious, velvety canvas.
- Incorporate sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring methodically until they melt completely, creating a smooth, glossy finish with complex flavor profiles.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, optionally garnishing with additional shredded cheddar for extra indulgence, and serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Enhance the soup’s creaminess by using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Control the soup’s thickness by adjusting the amount of flour or adding extra broth if it becomes too dense.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and use reduced-fat cheese options.
- Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots during the simmering process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 637 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg