Why Make This Recipe
This Delicious Broccoli and Cheese Soup is perfect for a warm, comforting meal. It’s rich and creamy, with a wonderful mix of broccoli, cheese, and spices. Not only is it tasty, but it is also a great way to include more vegetables in your diet. If you’re a fan of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll love this homemade version that you can easily make in your kitchen.
How to Make Delicious Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons or additional cheese for topping
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot, mixing well.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with croutons or additional cheese if desired.
How to Serve Delicious Broccoli and Cheese Soup
This soup can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. Serve it warm in bowls, and top with croutons or extra cheese for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.
How to Store Delicious Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens when stored, you can add a little water or extra broth when reheating.
Tips to Make Delicious Broccoli and Cheese Soup
- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, blend it longer or add more cheese.
- You can spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Variation
You can easily customize this soup. Add cooked chicken to make it heartier, or throw in some other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition. You can also try different cheeses, like gouda, for a unique taste.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli and cheese soup, but the texture may change when reheated. It’s best to freeze before adding the cream and cheese.
2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure the cheese is also gluten-free.
3. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great and may give you a better flavor and texture. Just ensure it is cooked until tender before blending.
Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Ingredients
Vegetables and Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 cup onion, diced Adds flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth
- 4 cups broccoli florets Main ingredient
- 4 cups vegetable broth Can substitute with chicken broth for richer flavor
- 1 cup shredded carrots For added sweetness
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Adds creaminess and flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream Makes the soup creamy
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
Optional Toppings
- as needed croutons For garnish
- as needed additional cheese For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the pot, mixing well.
Cooking
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with croutons or additional cheese if desired.