Description
This rich and creamy broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. Loaded with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a warm, satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 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.
-
Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour.
-
Add the Broth:
- Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
-
Cook the Broccoli:
- Once the mixture is boiling, toss in the broccoli florets. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
-
Blend the Soup:
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. You can blend just half for a chunkier texture if preferred.
-
Add Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
Notes
- Frozen Broccoli: You can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just thaw it before adding.
- No Heavy Cream? Substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a mixture of milk and melted butter.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
- Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or spinach along with the broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli cheese soup, creamy broccoli soup, easy soup recipe, comforting soup, cheddar broccoli soup, homemade soup, comfort food, vegetable soup