Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe – Creamy & Comforting
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe – Creamy & Comforting
You might not realize that broccoli cheddar cheese soup has roots stretching back to the 1980s in America, becoming a beloved comfort food for many. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it not just a dish, but an experience that warms the soul. As you investigate the nuances of this recipe, you’ll uncover how the right balance of ingredients can enhance a simple soup into a favorite family meal. Curious about the secrets behind creating that perfect velvety finish? Let’s break down what makes this recipe so special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore this broccoli cheddar cheese soup recipe, and for good reason! This soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients.
Broccoli provides essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, vitamins C and K, vital for immunity and bone health. Plus, the fiber in broccoli supports digestion and heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, its rich content of sulforaphane, known for cancer-fighting properties makes it a fantastic choice for your health.
What makes this soup a great choice for weight management? It’s filling yet low in calories, perfect for those watching their weight. Furthermore, the antioxidants, particularly sulforaphane, contribute to cancer prevention and detoxification, helping your body eliminate harmful chemicals.
It’s easy to prepare this dish using simple steps. Just sauté the aromatics, add broccoli, and finish with cheese. You can even make it healthier by using evaporated skim milk or adding cottage cheese for extra protein.
For a twist, try seasoning it with red pepper flakes to spice things up!
Lastly, it’s freezer-friendly, meaning you can prepare larger batches and save some for later. With all these benefits and flexible serving options, this broccoli cheddar cheese soup proves to be a truly worthy recipe!
History
Broccoli cheddar soup has an intriguing history that showcases its rise from a simple dish to a national favorite. The soup gained real traction thanks to a memorable campaign by Campbell’s called “How to Get President Bush to Eat Broccoli.” This initiative responded to the former president’s notorious broccoli snub.
It even featured a contest that led to California resident Priscilla Yee inventing a recipe which blended the soup with heavy cream, mayonnaise, aromatics, and potatoes. Yee’s dish prominently influenced Campbell’s, inspiring the company to develop its own broccoli soup blends, including the now-famous broccoli cheese soup. Additionally, the initial focus on cream of broccoli soup garnered significant attention from the public and helped popularize the dish even further.
Her creamy, rich recipe masked the controversial broccoli texture, making it more appealing to those who were hesitant. Following this campaign, broccoli cheddar soup quickly became a beloved staple in American cuisine.
It paved the way for other companies, like Panera and grocery chains, to create their own versions. Homemade recipes now offer healthier ingredient ratios while retaining that creamy comfort you expect.
This soup’s legacy lives on as an iconic dish, similar in status to clam chowder and chili, highlighting how effective marketing and creative recipes can uplift humble ingredients to national fame.
Recipe
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe
This creamy Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup is the perfect comfort food for any season. Rich in flavor and full of nourishing ingredients, this soup combines the goodness of fresh broccoli with the savory taste of sharp cheddar cheese. Using fresh broccoli is recommended for optimal results.
Whether served as a starter or a main course paired with crusty bread, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Crafted with a flavorful base and creamy texture, this soup isn’t only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients to your preference.
Add additional vegetables or spices to create your own version of this classic dish. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on making a delicious pot of Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup!
Ingredients:
– 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
– ¼ cup unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– ½ onion, chopped
– 1 small onion, minced
– 1 medium sweet onion, diced
– ½ medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2½ cups broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup broccoli stems, chopped (optional)
– 2–3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
– 8 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
– 8 oz block grated cheddar cheese or 2 cups
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Paprika, for seasoning
– 2 cups diced russet potatoes (optional)
– Thinly sliced carrots (optional for taste)
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
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Whisk in ¼ cup of flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of half-and-half (or chicken stock) while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
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Add the chopped broccoli and optional celery or carrots to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring well after each addition until melted and creamy.
For an even creamier soup, stir in heavy cream before serving.
- Season the soup generously with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. If desired, top the soup with additional cheddar cheese before serving hot.
Extra Tips:
When preparing this Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup, consider grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, as this will improve the flavor and texture of the dish.
Also, remember to add the cheese off the heat in small handfuls to prevent it from becoming gritty.
If you want a thicker soup, you can include diced potatoes or adapt the seasoning with spices like red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Enjoy your delicious soup with crusty bread for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
As you enjoy this Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup, keep in mind that its comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients make it a delightful choice no matter the season.
This soup isn’t just tasty; it offers a variety of nutritional benefits, such as protein and calcium. If you’re watching your calorie intake, Progresso Light soup has only 230 calories and 6g of fat per serving, making it a lighter option. Additionally, this soup has a substantial protein content of 66.2g, contributing to its nutritious profile.
When preparing your soup, sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to the flavor, while creating a roux provides that creamy base you’ll love.
Feel free to investigate different cheese options for a unique twist. Sharp cheddar or even pepper jack can improve the taste greatly.
It’s also worth considering dietary needs. If you prefer gluten-free options or need to watch your sodium, checking ingredient labels is smart.
Use this soup as a base and customize it with additional vegetables to suit your taste.
FAQ
If you have any questions about making Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down step by step.
Preparation Tips: Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until they’re soft, which creates your flavor base. For a creamier texture, consider adding potato for thickness to the soup.
Use chicken or vegetable stock for added depth, then mix in broccoli and optional veggies like carrots or celery. Don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper.
Cheese Incorporation: Grate cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded to avoid clumping. When adding cheese, do so slowly in small handfuls, ensuring it melts fully before adding more.
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor—remove the pot from heat to prevent separation.
Thickening and Blending: Consider using a roux (equal parts butter and flour) for thickening. Simmer the soup until it thickens to your liking.
For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or traditional blender. If the soup thickens too much, just add broth or half and half.
Tips and Variations: Use high-quality broth, and get creative with spices and toppings! Enjoy!
