Patrick Oconnell
Broccoli and cheese soup is a hearty, creamy, and comforting dish that can be easily made at home. While there are many ways to make this soup, the key ingredients are broccoli, cheese, and a creamy base. The type of cheese is up to you—sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, or Gruyère can all be used to make a delicious soup. The creamy base can be made with milk, cream, or a mixture of both, and vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes can be added for extra flavour and texture. To ensure a smooth and creamy soup, it is important to grate your own cheese and add it slowly to the soup while it is over very low heat. This classic comfort food can be served in a bread bowl or topped with croutons or bacon bits for a tasty treat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 3-5 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, milk, vegetable broth, carrot, Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, butter, flour, half and half, potatoes, onion, celery, spinach, bacon bits, nutmeg, avocado oil, chicken broth, cream, garlic |
| Consistency | Chunky, smooth, pureed |
| Storage | Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days |
| Reheating | Reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stove |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
The cheese you choose for your broccoli and cheese soup can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and recommendations for selecting the perfect cheese:
Type of Cheese
Cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for broccoli and cheese soup, and for good reason. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with broccoli. Mild or sharp cheddar can be used, depending on your preference. Sharp cheddar will provide a more pronounced cheese flavour, while mild cheddar will let other ingredients shine through.
However, you are not limited to cheddar. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, goat cheese, Gruyère, or smoked cheddar. These cheeses can add a creamy, tangy, or smoky dimension to your soup.
Freshly Grated Cheese
It is highly recommended to grate your own cheese for broccoli and cheese soup. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly into the soup. These preservatives can also affect the taste, making the soup gritty. Buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself ensures a creamy, luscious texture.
Quality of Cheese
Using good quality cheese is essential for a delicious soup. Opt for well-known brands or cheeses with a good reputation. A higher-quality cheese will have better flavour and melting characteristics.
Amount of Cheese
The amount of cheese you use can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Start by adding a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of cheesiness. Remember to add the cheese slowly and stir well between additions to ensure a smooth, creamy soup.
Timing of Adding Cheese
It is best to add the cheese towards the end of the cooking process. Remove the pot from the heat or keep it on very low heat to prevent the soup from separating and becoming gritty. Allow the shredded cheese to fully incorporate and melt before adding more. This will guarantee a velvety, smooth texture.
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Preparing the vegetables
In addition to broccoli, you can use other vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes. Carrots can be finely chopped or julienned into strips. Potatoes can be baked and cut into large cubes, or left uncooked and chopped into smaller pieces. You can also add onions, which should be sautéed in butter until tender and lightly browned before being added to the pot.
If you want to add extra flavour, you can include garlic in your soup. You can also experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and peas.
Remember to prepare your vegetables according to your desired soup consistency. For a chunkier soup, larger pieces of vegetables will work well. For a smoother soup, you may want to chop the vegetables into smaller pieces or puree them before adding them to the pot.
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Making the soup base
To make a good broccoli and cheese soup, you'll want to start with a flavourful base. This is achieved by sautéing your choice of aromatics and vegetables in fat. A good base for broccoli and cheese soup typically includes:
Aromatics:
- Garlic
- Onion
Vegetables:
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Celery
- Potato
Fats:
- Butter
- Oil
You can sauté the aromatics first, then add the vegetables. Alternatively, you can cook all the vegetables together, including the aromatics. This is a matter of personal preference, as cooking the aromatics first will develop their flavour, but cooking them with the other vegetables will preserve their fresh flavour.
After sautéing, add liquid to the pot to form the soup base. You can use:
- Broth or stock (vegetable, chicken, or homemade)
- Water
- Milk
- Cream
Let the soup base simmer until the vegetables are tender. If you're using potatoes, you can cook them separately and add them later, as they take longer to cook.
You can also add spices and condiments to the soup base to enhance the flavour:
- Salt and pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Nutmeg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Tabasco
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Adding the cheese
When adding the cheese to the soup, make sure the pot is over very low heat. Adding the cheese slowly and gradually will help prevent the soup from becoming gritty and ensure a creamy texture. Remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese in small handfuls, stirring well between each addition. This will allow the cheese to fully incorporate and melt into the soup before adding more. Continue adding cheese until the soup reaches your desired thickness and smoothness.
You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top of the soup just before serving. This adds a nice touch and gives your soup an extra cheesy kick. You can also experiment with adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, or other seasonings to enhance the flavour.
If you want to get creative, you can even bake some potatoes in the oven, cut them into large cubes, and pour the soup over them. This creates a heartwarming dish that's perfect for a cosy night in.
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Serving and storing
Broccoli and cheese soup is best served warm. You can serve it in a bowl with toppings of your choice, such as cheese, croutons, or bacon bits. You can also pour the soup over baked potatoes. For a more elegant presentation, you can serve the soup in a bread bowl.
When storing broccoli and cheese soup, it is best to avoid freezing it as creamy soups tend to separate and become grainy after being frozen and thawed. Instead, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to three to four days. To reheat the soup, you can use a microwave or a stovetop over low heat. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
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Frequently asked questions
Mild or sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, goat cheese, gruyère, or smoked cheddar.
For a chunkier soup, keep the broccoli as is. For a smoother soup, break up the broccoli with a potato masher or puree it in a blender. To get the right texture for the cheese, grate it yourself and add it slowly over low heat.
You can add carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and spinach.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, broccoli and cheese soup will stay good for up to three or four days. Freezing is not recommended as creamy soups tend to separate and become grainy after being frozen and thawed.
