Description
Creamy broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table with its rich, velvety texture. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal packed with cheesy goodness you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Crusty bread or croutons (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, approximately 2-3 minutes. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the softened vegetables, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour flavor and create a smooth foundation for the soup.
- Slowly incorporate broth into the mixture, whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps. Maintain a gentle simmer while stirring to ensure a uniform consistency.
- Introduce fresh broccoli florets into the simmering liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender but retain a slight crispness.
- Gently pour milk or half-and-half into the pot, returning the mixture to a soft simmer. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring consistently until they melt completely and create a velvety texture.
- Enhance the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a delicate hint of ground nutmeg. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Ladle the creamy soup into warm serving bowls. Accompany with crusty artisan bread or crisp croutons for added texture and enjoyment.
Notes
- Sauté aromatics gently to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the soup’s delicate flavor profile.
- Create a smooth roux by whisking flour and butter thoroughly, preventing lumpy textures that can make the soup feel grainy.
- Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and better melting consistency.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth if the soup becomes too dense, ensuring a creamy yet pourable texture.
- Prep Time: 5-6 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg