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
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat until shimmering and translucent.
- Aromatic Base: Sauté finely chopped onions in the butter until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic, stirring to create a fragrant foundation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Vegetable Harmony: Add broccoli florets, carrots, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg, reducing heat to allow vegetables to become tender while melding flavors.
- 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.
- Cheese Elevation: Sprinkle sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt seamlessly, creating a luxurious golden finish.
- 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