Creamy Broccoli and Cheese Soup 🥦🧀🥣
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of homemade creamy broccoli and cheese soup, perfect for warming up on chilly days or satisfying your comfort food cravings. This recipe combines tender broccoli florets with creamy cheese for a delicious and hearty soup that's sure to please. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions
Instructions:
1. Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Broccoli and Broth: Add fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth or chicken broth until the broccoli is just covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth and thickened. Add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine Soup and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the blended broccoli mixture. Stir well to combine, until the soup is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the creamy broccoli and cheese soup into bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
This creamy broccoli and cheese soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. 🥦🧀🥣
