Description
Creamy broccoli cheese soup brings comfort and warmth to cold winter nights. Rich Wisconsin cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a silky blend you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Base and Seasonings:
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow the garlic to release its pungent essence.
- Dust the aromatic mixture with flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the soup and provide a rich foundation.
- Slowly incorporate chicken broth, whisking methodically to eliminate any potential flour lumps and create a silky liquid base.
- Pour in milk and cream, stirring gently to combine the dairy components and create a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the simmering liquid, allowing the vegetables to become tender and infuse the soup with their vibrant flavors.
- For a more refined consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some vegetable chunks for textural interest.
- Reduce the heat and gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the soup.
- Enhance the flavor profile with a delicate balance of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of nutmeg.
- Ladle the creamy, aromatic soup into warm bowls and serve immediately with crusty artisan bread or crisp crackers for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Achieve a silky-smooth base by whisking the roux carefully, preventing any flour lumps for a perfectly creamy texture.
- Create a lighter version by substituting whole milk with low-fat milk or using half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach, which blend seamlessly into the soup’s creamy consistency.
- Prevent cheese from separating by removing the pot from direct heat and gradually stirring in shredded cheese at a low temperature, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 29 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg