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Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

Cozy Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty broccoli cheese soup emerges as a creamy comfort classic from American kitchens. Robust cheddar and tender broccoli florets combine in a luscious blend that satisfies hungry souls and warms winter evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (960 ml) broccoli florets, fresh, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tbsps butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat until shimmering and translucent.
  2. Aromatic Base: Sauté finely chopped onions in the butter until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring to create a fragrant foundation.
  3. Thickening Technique: Dust the vegetable mixture with flour, continuously stirring to develop a golden, nutty roux that will provide body to the soup’s texture.
  4. Liquid Integration: Gradually stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking methodically to create a smooth, velvety liquid, then pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Vegetable Harmony: Add broccoli florets, carrots, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg, reducing heat to allow vegetables to become tender while melding flavors.
  6. Texture Transformation: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a balanced consistency with some intact vegetable pieces and a creamy overall texture.
  7. Cheese Elevation: Sprinkle sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt seamlessly, creating a luxurious golden finish.
  8. Serving Flourish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional crispy bacon bits, additional cheese, or crunchy croutons for a delightful final touch.

Notes

  • Butter Browning Caution: Melt butter slowly to prevent burning, ensuring a golden base without bitter undertones.
  • Flour Roux Technique: Stir flour continuously while cooking to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth thickening base.
  • Cheese Melting Precision: Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, smooth texture.
  • Vegetable Texture Control: Use immersion blender sparingly to keep some vegetable chunks, preserving the soup’s rustic character and nutritional integrity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 448
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 930 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 92 mg