Broccoli Cheese Soup
A comforting and creamy broccoli cheese soup that combines fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large head broccoli, chopped Fresh broccoli is preferred for flavor.
- 1 cup onion, chopped Diced finely for even cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add right after onions for best flavor.
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Let sit at room temperature to melt smoothly.
- 1 cup heavy cream Avoid boiling after adding.
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Check for seasoning, as broth often contains salt.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing the veggies.
Seasonings
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the chopped broccoli into the pot and stir well.
Cooking
- Carefully pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth or partially for some texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently for about 5 minutes, being careful not to boil.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread for dipping. For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or customize with additional vegetables or proteins.