Why Make This Recipe
Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up from the inside out. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with nutritious broccoli. This soup is a great way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your craving for something rich and delicious. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and can easily become a family favorite!
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute to release its flavor.
- Stir in the broccoli florets and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you want it smooth, blend it well; if you prefer some chunks, blend less.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup
Serve the Broccoli Cheese Soup hot in bowls. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top or some croutons for added texture. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. This soup is also great as a starter before a larger dish.
How to Store Broccoli Cheese Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a little extra flavor.
- Fresh broccoli is best, but you can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.
Variation
You can easily customize this soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. You can also add cooked chicken or bacon for extra protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the soup a day in advance. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this Broccoli Cheese Soup is naturally gluten-free as long as the vegetable broth does not contain gluten.
