Hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup
This comforting, homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup is a warm and welcoming dish that's perfect for those chilly fall and winter nights. Its creamy texture, combined with the perfect balance of broccoli and cheese, makes every spoonful utterly delightful.
Ingredients
- 2 heads of fresh broccoli, chopped into florets (approximately 4 cups)
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until the onions turn translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and mix well until it forms a roux (flour-butter mixture).
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream into the roux, stirring consistently to ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Add the chopped broccoli into the pot. Cover and let the soup simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- With a blender or immersion blender, carefully puree about half of the soup to create a thick and chunky texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more.
- Return the soup to a simmer and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is well incorporated and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese if you like. Serve this Hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup piping hot to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness!