Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
A rich and comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup made with fresh broccoli florets, a blend of cheeses, and a creamy base of milk and half-and-half. This soup is thickened with a butter and flour roux, infused with a hint of nutmeg, and finished with a smooth texture that can be pureed or served chunky according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- Dash of salt, plus more as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 heads broccoli, cut into florets
- 3 cups grated cheese (mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, jack, or a blend)
Optional
- 2 cups chicken broth (for thinning, if needed)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Make Roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and butter, stirring to combine, and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half-and-half while stirring. Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add Broccoli and Simmer: Stir in the broccoli florets, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup to create a creamy texture.
- Adjust Texture and Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. For a chunkier soup, use a potato masher to lightly mash some broccoli. For a smooth texture, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and puree until creamy. Return the soup to the pot and heat through. If the soup is too thick after blending, add chicken broth gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm as a comforting meal or appetizer.
Notes
- You can use a mix of cheeses to enhance flavor; sharp cheddar adds more tang while mild cheddar keeps it mellow.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less chicken broth after blending.
- For vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or omit it entirely.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.
Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe/
