Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that transforms humble broccoli into a velvety, cheesy dream that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup is not just another recipe - it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress your family, warm up on a chilly day, or simply indulge in a creamy culinary delight, this recipe is your ultimate solution to gourmet comfort food that takes just 30 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into smaller pieces if necessary. Measure out the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped onion, and butter. Have salt and pepper ready for seasoning.
- In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot with the sautéed onion. Stir the broccoli and onion together, allowing them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will help to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring that the broccoli is fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- After the broccoli has cooked, carefully remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Be cautious with the hot liquid and blend until smooth.
- Once the soup is blended, return it to the pot if you used a countertop blender. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. If the soup is too thick, you can add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve the broccoli cheese soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade classic broccoli cheese soup!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best flavor and texture. The fresher the broccoli, the more vibrant your soup will taste.
- Cheese Matters: Use high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor. Grate your own cheese if possible, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Blending Technique: If using a countertop blender, blend in small batches and leave the lid slightly open to allow steam to escape, preventing a potential soup explosion.
- Consistency is Key: Adjust the soup's thickness by adding more broth or milk. Some prefer a thicker soup, while others like it slightly more liquid.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor. Crispy bacon bits or croutons make excellent garnishes.
- Reheat Carefully: When reheating, do so slowly over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
- Storage Tip: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
