Dive into the warmth of our Broccoli Cheese Soup, a creamy delight that wraps you in coziness with every spoonful. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience, blending the tender bites of broccoli and carrots with the richness of sharp cheddar cheese.
It’s an easy-to-make classic that promises a smooth, velvety base and a flavor that comforts the soul.
How to Prepare Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Sauté the Aromatics: Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your minced onion, garlic, and chopped broccoli stems, cooking them until they’re soft and releasing their fragrant aroma, about 5 minutes.
- Build the Roux: Into the pot, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. This is your roux, the base for your creamy soup.
- Whisk in Dairy: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half and half while continuously whisking. This process initially thickens the mixture but will thin out into a creamy soup base as you keep stirring. Gradually add in the chicken or vegetable broth, continuing to whisk. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- Add Veggies: With your soup base thickened, add the chopped broccoli florets, thinly sliced carrot, and spices into the pot. Let everything simmer for another 10 minutes or until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
- Cheese Time: Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, stir in most of the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup has a smooth, rich texture.
- Serve with Love: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with a bit more cheese. Pair with a chunk of crusty bread for dunking, and prepare to experience cozy joy with each bite. This moment, with its blend of textures and flavors, is worth savoring.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Savor the heartwarming blend of tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and rich spices in our Broccoli Cheese Soup. Perfect for a cozy night in, this soup brings a classic comfort to your table with its velvety texture and deeply satisfying flavors. Ready in just a few simple steps, it's an ideal pick for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup broccoli stems
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 –3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounce block extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Begin with Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over a medium setting. Introduce the onion, garlic, and broccoli stems to the pot, cooking until they're tender and emit a pleasant aroma, roughly 5 minutes.
- Roux Creation: Incorporate the remaining butter into the pot. Once it has melted, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture, stirring for about 2-3 minutes until it forms a thick paste. This roux will serve as the thickening agent for your soup.
- Incorporate Dairy: Slowly blend in the whole milk and half and half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. At first, the mixture will thicken, but as you continue to whisk and gradually add the broth, it will transform into a creamy base. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent any film from forming on the surface.
- Veggie Addition: After achieving a nicely thickened soup base, fold in the broccoli florets, slices of carrot, and your chosen spices. Continue to simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is vibrantly green and just tender.
- Melt in the Cheese: Remove the pot from the stove and let it stand for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. Gently stir in the bulk of the grated cheddar cheese until it melds into the soup, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
- Ready to Serve: Dish out the soup into individual bowls, garnishing each with a sprinkle of extra cheese. Complement with a piece of crusty bread for the ultimate dipping experience. Now, you're all set to indulge in the creamy, comforting embrace of Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Storing Broccoli Cheese Soup
To maintain the best quality, store leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating, gently warm the soup over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to adjust the consistency, as the soup may thicken upon cooling.
