Frederic Melton
Broccoli cheese soup is a popular comfort food, but is it gluten-free? The answer is yes, and there are several recipes available online that show you how to make it. The key to making this soup gluten-free is to use gluten-free flour or a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot flour. You can also add grated carrots to the soup for extra texture and flavour. This soup is perfect for a cold night and can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Broccoli cheese soup |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Preparation Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Ingredients | Broccoli, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Gluten-Free Flour, Vegetable Broth, Half-and-Half, Cheese, Bay Leaves, Cornstarch, Salt, Pepper, Carrots, Potato, Paprika, Greek Yogurt, Vegetable Broth, Almond Milk, White Beans, Nutritional Yeast, Chicken Broth, Coconut Milk |
| Toppings | Dairy-free cheese, Bread, Crushed gluten-free crackers, Crispy chickpeas, Croutons, Sour cream |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Broccoli cheese soup recipe
A warm bowl of broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather is cold. This recipe is a gluten-free take on the classic soup, inspired by the famous Panera broccoli cheddar soup. It's thick, creamy, and cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Gluten-free flour (for a roux)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Nutmeg
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Half and half
- Broccoli
- Carrots (optional)
- Cheese (sharp cheddar or any melting cheese)
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until softened and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in gluten-free flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the flour is slightly browned and the mixture is golden.
- Pour in broth and half and half, stirring to combine.
- Add broccoli stalks, florets, and carrots (if using).
- Simmer until the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheese gradually, continuing to stir until melted.
- Season with hot sauce or red pepper flakes for added warmth (optional).
- Serve hot with gluten-free crackers or bread on the side.
Tips:
- For a dairy-free/vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and cream, and swap butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the soup a velvety smooth texture.
- This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Gluten-Free Food Club Cheese: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Gluten-free flour
There are a variety of gluten-free flours available, each with its own distinct taste, texture, and nutrient composition. Almond flour, for example, is a common grain-free and gluten-free flour made from ground, blanched almonds. It has a nutty flavor and is often used in baking. Buckwheat flour, despite its name, is another gluten-free option that provides a rich, earthy flavor and is suitable for baking bread and quick yeast breads. However, it tends to be crumbly, so combining it with other gluten-free flours like brown rice flour can improve the final product.
Sorghum flour is another ancient cereal grain that has been cultivated for over 5,000 years. It has a light color and texture, as well as a mild, sweet flavor. It is considered a heavy or dense flour and is often mixed with other gluten-free flours or used in recipes requiring small amounts of flour. Amaranth, a pseudocereal, has an earthy, nutty flavor and can replace up to 25% of wheat flour. It is especially useful for making tortillas, pie crusts, and bread.
When making dishes like broccoli cheese soup, gluten-free flour can be used as a thickening agent. This is particularly useful for those who want to enjoy a gluten-free version of the soup, which traditionally contains flour and heavy cream as thickening agents.
Fontina Cheese: Gluten-Free Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Dairy-free alternatives
Dairy-Free Milk
The base of a dairy-free broccoli cheese soup can be made with a combination of vegetable broth and dairy-free milk. Almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk are popular choices, with coconut milk adding thickness and creaminess to the soup. If you use rice milk or another thin dairy-free milk, you can thicken the soup by adding cornstarch or arrowroot starch.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a must-add ingredient to give your soup a cheesy flavor without the cheese. It is a nutty and inactive form of yeast that enhances the cheesiness of the dish.
Dairy-Free Cheese
There are several dairy-free cheese options available, such as Violife, Follow Your Heart, and Daiya brands. You can add a small amount of dairy-free cheese to your bowl of soup, as adding too much at once can make the soup oily.
Potatoes
Adding potatoes to your soup will make it creamier. You can puree or blend them along with other vegetables to create a velvety smooth texture.
Other Vegetables
Carrots, onions, and garlic are essential to building flavor in the soup. You can also add white beans for extra protein and thickness, or cauliflower to make it creamier without using dairy-free milk.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices like ground mustard, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of nutmeg can be added for flavor and color. Salt and pepper are simple seasonings that can also be included.
With these dairy-free alternatives, you can create a delicious and creamy broccoli cheese soup that satisfies your comfort food cravings while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Fontina Cheese: A Dairy-Free Option?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toppings and sides
While a bowl of broccoli cheese soup is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with toppings and sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Toppings
- Grated or shredded cheese: You can use dairy or vegan cheese, depending on your preference. Cheese adds a nice golden colour and extra creaminess to the soup.
- Crispy chickpeas: For a crunchy texture and extra protein, top your soup with roasted chickpeas.
- Croutons: Add some croutons for a classic soup topping that provides a textural contrast.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a creamy and tangy dimension to the soup.
- Bacon: If you're not vegan or vegetarian, chopped bacon can provide a savoury boost of flavour and extra protein.
- Herbs: Try garnishing your soup with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added freshness and flavour.
Sides
- Bread: Serve your soup with a side of toasted rolls, crusty bread, or gluten-free bread if needed. Bread is perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying on the side.
- Crackers: Gluten-free crackers can be a great side to accompany your soup. They provide a crunchy texture and are perfect for dipping.
- Salad: For a lighter option, pair your soup with a fresh salad. A simple green salad or a heartier grain salad can complement the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: For an indulgent combination, serve your soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The melted cheese and soup will create a delicious pairing.
Heart Cheese: Soy-Free and Delicious
You may want to see also
Cooking and preparation
There are several ways to prepare a gluten-free broccoli cheese soup, and most recipes take around 30 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
Ingredients
- Butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tarragon
- Carrots
- Half and half
- Vegetable broth
- Bay leaves
- Cornstarch
- Broccoli florets
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cheese
Method
First, melt some butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring for 2-3 minutes until they are tender. Next, add the tarragon and carrots and stir for another 3-4 minutes.
Then, stir in the half and half, vegetable broth, and bay leaves, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the dissolved cornstarch and keep stirring until the mixture thickens. If you want it thicker, you can add more dissolved cornstarch.
Now, add the broccoli florets, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 10 minutes. You can also add extra vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots at this stage.
Finally, remove the pot from the heat and carefully blend the soup until it reaches your desired texture. Place the pot back on the stove over medium heat, and add the cheese, stirring until it is melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra broccoli florets and grated cheese if desired. You can also serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers for dipping.
Variations
Some variations of this recipe include adding white beans for extra protein, nutritional yeast for a Vitamin B boost, or potatoes to make the soup creamier. You can also replace the half and half with heavy whipping cream, or use almond milk instead.
Tips
If you are making this soup for young kids or picky eaters, you can serve it with some bread for dipping. This soup also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later.
Substitutions
If you don't want to use flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup, you can use an alternative like arrowroot flour or rice flour. You can also replace the dairy cheese with a dairy-free or vegan shredded cheese option.
Fresh Mozzarella: Is It Dairy-Free Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, broccoli cheese soup can be gluten-free. Many recipes are gluten-free, and you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup instead of regular flour.
You can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken your soup. Cornstarch is a good option if you don't want to mess with the typical flour-butter roux.
You can top your soup with extra broccoli florets, grated cheese, gluten-free bread or crackers, crispy chickpeas, croutons, sour cream, or chopped bacon.
