Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe To Add A Satisfying Bite

by Julia
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August 1, 2023

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Dive into a bowl of creamy bliss with our Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe, a luscious concoction that masterfully blends the wholesome goodness of fresh broccoli with the decadent allure of melted cheese. Each spoonful envelops your palate in a velvety embrace, while flecks of broccoli add a satisfying bite. A hint of garlic and onion provides a flavorful whisper, elevating this soup to a symphony of taste and comfort. Indulge and let the cheesy magic unfold!

A bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup is akin to a comforting embrace. Each spoonful brings of broccoli cheese soup recipe forth a harmonic symphony of taste, a blissful blend of velvety cheddar enveloping vibrant broccoli sprinkled with whispers of finely minced garlic and onion.

This traditional recipe, evoking fond memories of simpler times, has been expertly crafted for your gastronomic delight.

Embark on a culinary journey, traversing from the heart of your kitchen to the soul of your dining table in pursuit of the perfect soup.

Let your senses dive into this lush vortex of flavors, surfacing to the aroma of simmering delicacy and a heartwarming culinary tale. Feast not just on the soup but on the experience of creating this masterpiece from scratch.

As the tale of this Broccoli Cheese Soup unfolds, anticipate a culinary adventure that promises satisfaction in every ladleful.

Let the story commence, spoon by satisfying spoon.

What Is Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a cherished classic, combining finely chopped broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy, luxurious base.

The duo of hearty vegetables and rich cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying.

Often garnished with additional cheese and served with crusty bread, this soup is a versatile dish, perfect for a warming dinner on a chilly night or a sophisticated starter for a dinner party.

Its indulgent taste profile makes it a beloved choice for soup enthusiasts worldwide. treat, further cementing its special place in culinary hearts.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Broccoli Cheese Soup is very adaptable to different dietary needs or preferences.

Keto Use heavy cream and a high-fat, low-carb cheese like cheddar. Substitute the flour typically used to thicken the soup with a keto-friendly option such as xanthan gum.
Paleo Replace regular dairy cheese with a paleo-friendly cheese made from nuts or other compliant ingredients. You can use almond milk or coconut milk as a substitute for regular milk or cream.
Gluten-Free Instead of using a traditional roux (butter and flour) to thicken the soup, you could use cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Another option is to puree a portion of the soup to create a thicker consistency.
Whole30 Use ghee instead of butter, and replace dairy with compliant non-dairy milk such as almond milk or coconut milk. You can thicken the soup with a bit of compliant flour like almond or coconut or puree some of the soup for thickness.
Vegetarian The standard recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup is typically vegetarian, but always ensure to use a vegetarian cheese (some cheeses are made with animal rennet).
Vegan Use plant-based alternatives for dairy products. There are many vegan cheeses and milks available in the market today. Nutritional yeast can also be used to add a cheesy flavor. Remember to use a vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Recipe Directions

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
Once the onions are cooked, stir in the cream of chicken, mushroom, and celery soups. These condensed soups will add a rich and creamy base to the casserole.
Next, add in the broccoli florets, cooked chicken (such as diced or shredded), sliced mushrooms, and processed cheese. The broccoli provides a vibrant green color and adds a nutritious element to the dish. The chicken adds protein and makes the casserole more filling. The mushrooms add earthy flavor and a delightful texture.
Pour in the milk gradually while stirring the mixture frequently. The milk will help thin out the condensed soups and create a smooth and creamy sauce. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Continue to cook the casserole over medium heat until the processed cheese has melted completely and the broccoli has become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
The casserole is ready once the cheese is melted and the broccoli reaches the desired tenderness. Remove it from the heat and serve immediately.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup: Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk, and replace the cream of chicken with a vegan cream soup.
Broccoli Cheese Soup with Bacon: Add some crispy cooked bacon to the soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to give the soup a spicy kick.
Low-fat Broccoli Cheese Soup: Use low-fat cheese and replace the cream with a mix of low-fat milk and chicken or vegetable broth.

Add-Ons

Proteins: Besides chicken, you can add other proteins like ham, turkey, or even tofu.
Vegetables: Other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or peas can also be added to the soup for extra nutrition and texture.
Cheeses: Try different types of cheese like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Colby to change up the flavor profile.

Toppings

Cheese: An extra sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving makes for a visually appealing and tasty topping.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons can add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
Bacon Bits: Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory addition.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a nice tang and make the soup even creamier.

Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can certainly prepare Broccoli Cheese Soup in both a slow cooker and an Instant Pot. Here are brief outlines of how you could adapt your cooking process for each appliance:

Slow Cooker Method

Sauté your onions in a pan with butter until they’re translucent, then add them to the slow cooker.
Add the cream soups, broccoli, chicken, mushrooms, and milk to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the processed cheese until it’s fully melted.
Serve hot, straight from the slow cooker.

Instant Pot Method

Set the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Melt the butter and sauté the onions until they’re translucent.
Add the cream soups, broccoli, chicken, mushrooms, and milk. Stir to combine.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. After cooking, use the quick-release method to release the pressure.
Open the lid and stir in the processed cheese until it’s fully melted.
Serve hot, straight from the Instant Pot.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought broth and homemade broth can be used when making broccoli cheese soup, and the choice largely depends on your preference, time, and convenience.

Store-Bought Broth

This is a convenient option and perfect for those short on time or needing more ingredients to make broth from scratch. Store-bought broths come in various flavors, such as chicken, beef, or vegetable, allowing you to choose according to your preference. Opt for low-sodium versions to control the salt content of your soup.

Homemade Broth

Making your own broth can be more time-consuming, but it allows you to control the ingredients and flavors completely. A homemade broth typically has a richer, more complex flavor than most store-bought versions. You can make it in large batches and freeze it for future use.

How To Serve?

Broccoli Cheese Soup is delicious and versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some suggestions to make the most out of your soup experience:

Bread: A classic way to serve soup is with a side of crusty bread, breadsticks, or a bread roll. The bread complements the soup’s creaminess and can be used to soak up every last bit from your bowl. Consider serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an even heartier meal.
Garnish: A sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some fresh herbs, or a few croutons on top not only add to the presentation but also bring additional flavors and textures.
Side Salad: A light, fresh salad can balance the soup’s richness and make for a complete meal. A simple green salad, a tangy coleslaw, or even a fruit salad could work well.
Pair with a Sandwich: Consider serving Broccoli Cheese Soup with a sandwich for a fulfilling lunch. A classic grilled cheese sandwich could be a great choice, or something with contrasting flavors, like a turkey or chicken sandwich, could also pair well.
Accompaniments: Depending on your preference, you could also serve this soup with some cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or even roasted vegetables on the side for extra texture and flavor.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread or Bread Rolls: These can be used for dipping into the soup, providing a satisfying crunch against the soup’s creaminess. You could also consider garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing with any creamy soup, the crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese offer a satisfying contrast.
Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can help balance the richness of the soup with its freshness and acidity.
Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus could add a flavorful and healthy side that complements the soup’s creamy texture.
Quinoa or Rice Salad: A chilled quinoa or rice salad with plenty of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing can offer a refreshing contrast.
Apple Salad: A salad made with fresh apples, nuts, and a light dressing can bring a sweet and crunchy element to the meal, which works well with the savory soup.
Baked Potato: A baked potato with a bit of butter and chives or sour cream could match well with the soup, especially if you have used a chicken base.

Storage And Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Broccoli cheese soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Thawing: To thaw, transfer the soup from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup as directed, excluding any milk or cream. Store the base in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the base and add the milk or cream, then continue with the recipe.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

There are many delicious and creative ways to repurpose leftovers. Here are some ideas for what you can do with leftovers:

Turn roasted meat or poultry into sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
Make a stir-fry using leftover cooked vegetables, meat, or rice.
Add vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce to transform leftover rice into fried rice.
Use leftover grilled vegetables or chicken as pizza toppings.
Blend leftover roasted vegetables into a flavorful soup or puree for a sauce.
Create a hearty salad by adding leftover cooked grains, roasted veggies, and protein.
Make a frittata or omelet using leftover cooked vegetables, meat, or cheese.
Use leftover bread to make croutons, bread pudding, or French toast.
Repurpose leftover pasta by turning it into a pasta salad or incorporating it into a frittata.
Freeze leftovers for future meals when you’re in need of a quick and easy option.

TIPS

Perfect Cheese Melt: Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly over low heat to prevent clumping.
Creaminess Boost: Blend a portion of cooked broccoli into a puree before adding to soup for a thicker texture.
Enhanced Flavor: Use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar for flavor and a creamy cheese like Gruyere for texture.
Broccoli Brilliance: Add finely chopped broccoli stems for added crunch and nutrients.
Garnish Galore: Top with crispy bacon, croutons, or a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
Serving Style: Serve in a bread bowl for a hearty meal or as a starter in small cups for elegance.