🧀🥦 Cozy Up with the Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe 🥦🧀
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy broccoli soup—especially when it’s packed with flavor and super easy to make! Our Broccoli Cheese Soup is a rich, comforting classic that comes together in under an hour. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just craving a hearty homemade meal, this soup is the perfect pick. Let’s dive right into the deliciousness!
Ingredients:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
– 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk (for extra creaminess)
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
– 1 large carrot, shredded or finely chopped
– 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Crumbled croutons, extra cheese, or crispy bacon for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. This forms a smooth paste and helps thicken the soup later.
3. Add Liquids and Veggies:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour in the half-and-half and continue stirring as the soup starts to thicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Broccoli and Carrots:
Stir in the chopped broccoli and shredded carrot. Cover and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but not mushy.
5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup right in the pot. Prefer a chunky soup? Skip this step!
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Don’t let the soup boil—it can cause the cheese to curdle.
7. Final Touches:
Season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve and Savor:
Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—more cheddar, crunchy croutons, or bacon bits. Grab a slice of crusty bread and dig in!
💡 Soup Tip: This dish keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
There you have it—a creamy, cheesy bowl of magic that’s sure to become a family favorite. Share this recipe if you’re a fellow soup lover and let us know how yours turned out! 🍲🧡 #BroccoliCheeseSoup #ComfortFood #SoupSeason