Discovering the Comfort of the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a big deal for me and my daughter. We love the richness of the half and half and the cheddar cheese in this soup. Of course Panera makes a pretty amazing version but I have to say that this version is even better. Inspired by Averie Cooks Broccoli Cheese Soup, this version has a little more flavor and a little more attitude than the usual recipe I use. When it’s 16 degrees outside soup is a great way to warm up your soul, even if you don’t have to leave the house. The addition of the paprika, mustard powder and cayenne really brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, but you would never know they are there. These bread bowls are super easy to make too. Easy Bread Bowls from Frozen Bread Dough.

Even if you don’t live where it gets below freezing I hope you give this recipe a try. It is well worth it!

BEST BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients

  

• 5 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 1 med onion diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 4 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp chicken base or bouillon
• 2 cup milk is fine
• 2 cup broccoli florets
• 2  large carrots sliced
• 3/4 tbsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp pepper
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tbsp mustard powder
• pinch of cayenne
• 2 cup grated extra sharp cheddar cheese

Equipment

• 1 oven

Method

 

1. In a stock pot or dutch oven on medium-low heat, saute onion and garlic in 1 T butter until soft and translucent
2. Add 4 T butter and 4 T flour and cook until lightly browned but not dark
3. Whisk in 2 c. chicken broth and cook until thickened about 3-4 min.
4. Add 2 more c. chicken broth and cook until thickened about 5 min.
5. Add 2 c. ½ & ½ and cook until thickened about 5 min.
6. Add broccoli and carrots and simmer 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender
7. Whisk in salt, pepper, paprika, dry mustard and cayenne
8. Simmer another 15 -20 min until reduced and thickened
9. Turn off heat and add the grated cheese, stir until melted
10. Save some remaining cheese for garnish

Video

Tips for making Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup is more than just a soup; it’s a bowl of comfort. The tender pieces of broccoli, the velvety cheese, and the aromatic herbs all come together to create a dish that’s truly heartwarming.

But what makes the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup so special? It’s the perfect blend of flavors. The slight bitterness of the broccoli is beautifully balanced by the creamy, savory cheese, resulting in a soup that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s talk about how to serve this delightful soup. The Best Broccoli Cheese Soup is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments. A crusty baguette or garlic bread would be perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. If you prefer something lighter, a crisp green salad would complement the richness of the soup wonderfully. And to finish off, a glass of white wine would enhance the flavors of the soup beautifully.

Cooking Tips

Ready for some cooking tips? Here are my top suggestions to make your Best Broccoli Cheese Soup truly stand out:

1. Choose the right cheese: Opt for a good quality cheese that melts well. Sharp cheddar or Gruyere are excellent choices as they add a depth of flavor to the soup.
2. Don’t overcook the broccoli: Keep an eye on the broccoli while cooking. You want it to be tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking can result in a dull color and mushy texture.
3. Blend to your preference: Some like their soup chunky, while others prefer it smooth. Blend your soup to the consistency that you enjoy most.

FAQs

• Can I make a vegan version of the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup? Yes, you can! Substitute the dairy cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based milk. The result will be just as creamy and delicious.
• Can I prepare the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.
• What’s the best way to store leftover Best Broccoli Cheese Soup? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.