Description
Indulge in the creamy richness of this Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting blend of tender broccoli florets and melted cheese. This classic soup is perfect for chilly days and can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir the milk mixture into the pot with the broccoli and broth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and smoked paprika, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If a smoother texture is desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred consistency.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative.
- To add a crunchy texture, top the soup with homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits.
- This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Broccoli cheese soup, creamy broccoli soup, cheddar broccoli soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe