Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and velvety dish perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich blend of cream and broth, it combines savory flavors with a smooth texture. The soup is enhanced with sautéed onions and garlic, thickened with a roux, and pureed for a luscious consistency. Garnish with croutons for added crunch and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of classic comfort food.
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
Thickening & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Garnish
- Croutons (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. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux that will thicken the soup.
- Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil to activate the thickening.
- Cook the Broccoli: Once boiling, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and stir it with the rest.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for flavor balance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with croutons if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To vary the cheese flavor, try mixing sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
- If the soup is too thick, add extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
