Broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and satisfying. This easy recipe brings together the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and the wholesome goodness of broccoli in a creamy blend. It’s a quick dish that transforms simple ingredients into a tasty, hearty meal. Grab a bowl, and enjoy this delightful soup that will surely become a family favorite.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting the cooking process.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook while stirring until it becomes soft and transparent, which should take about 5 minutes. Set the cooked onion aside.
- In a large saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup of melted butter and flour over medium-low heat. To prevent the flour from burning, whisk continuously for 3 to 4 minutes, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if necessary.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, then add the chicken stock while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the mixture to cook until it thickens, which will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the chopped broccoli, matchstick carrots, sliced celery, and cooked onion to the saucepan. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ onion, chopped
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 2 ½ cups sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3528 | Total Fat: 264g | Saturated Fat: 152g | Cholesterol: 768mg | Sodium: 5248mg | Total Carbohydrate: 112g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Total Sugars: 48g | Protein: 176g | Vitamin C: 160mg | Calcium: 4816mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 2904mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
- Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli in this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
- What can I use instead of chicken stock to make this soup vegetarian?
- You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of this Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
- How can I thicken the soup if it turns out too thin?
- If your soup is too thin, try mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the soup while stirring continuously.
- Can this soup be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
- Is it possible to freeze this soup?
- While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. It’s best to consume it fresh, but if needed, freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips
- To prevent the flour from burning while making the roux, add a small amount of milk, about 1 to 2 tablespoons, if necessary. This will help maintain the desired consistency without sticking to the pan.
- When adding the milk and chicken stock to the roux, whisk constantly to ensure a smooth texture and to avoid lumps in the soup.
- Allow the soup to simmer until the vegetables are tender, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes, for the best flavor and texture.
- For a richer flavor, consider using sharp Cheddar cheese and ensure it is fully melted into the soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan – Essential for cooking the soup base and combining all ingredients.
- Skillet – Needed for sautéing the onions.
- Whisk – Important for mixing the butter and flour and for gradually incorporating the milk.
- Chef’s Knife – Useful for chopping onions, broccoli, carrots, and celery.
- Cutting Board – Needed for preparing vegetables.
- Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring ingredients like milk and chicken stock.
