Patrick Oconnell
Broccoli and cheese soup is a creamy, tasty, and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days. The soup is made with a base of cheddar and parmesan cheese, with added broccoli, flour, extracts, proteins, and other additives to enhance the flavours. The soup is often served as a side dish with sandwiches and salads, or used as an ingredient in sauces for chicken and rice dishes. While the soup is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in the fridge for up to four days and reheated in the microwave or on the stove.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Broccoli, Cheese |
| Broccoli Type | Fresh, Frozen, Florets, Stems, Whole |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Goat Cheese, Gruyère |
| Other Ingredients | Butter, Onion, Garlic, Flour, Milk, Cream, Broth, Spices, Salt, Pepper, Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Mushrooms, Wine |
| Consistency | Chunky, Smooth, Thick, Creamy |
| Cooking Techniques | Sauté, Simmer, Whisk, Stir, Grate, Puree |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4-7 days, do not freeze |
| Reheating | Microwave or stovetop on low heat |
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Broccoli
The amount of broccoli used can also vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes call for a larger amount of broccoli, ensuring "big chunks in every bite", while others suggest using less.
In terms of preparation, broccoli can be used fresh or frozen. Frozen broccoli does not need to be defrosted before being added to the soup and can be a great way to use up any leftover freezer stash. However, some people prefer to avoid frozen broccoli in soup as it can become mushy, and fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture.
Overall, broccoli is a versatile ingredient in this soup, allowing for customization in terms of quantity, texture, and preparation method.
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Cheese
Broccoli and cheese soup is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your preference. The most commonly used cheese for this soup is cheddar, specifically a sharp or extra-sharp variety, as this adds a bold flavour to the dish. However, you can also use mild cheddar if you prefer a less intense flavour.
For a more indulgent soup, you could add some goat cheese or gruyère, as suggested by Ree Drummond. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mix of several different varieties. Using a high-quality cheese that you grate yourself will enhance the flavour and texture of the soup. Pre-grated cheese tends to be resistant to melting and may not incorporate as well into the soup.
In addition to cheddar, some recipes also include parmesan cheese, which adds a secret flavour boost. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even add a mix of cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. However, it's important to be cautious with the amount of salt added to the soup, as cheeses tend to be quite salty.
When making broccoli and cheese soup, it's essential to add the cheese at the right time. Allow the soup to simmer and thicken before adding most of the grated cheese, reserving a small amount for garnishing. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and creates a creamy texture.
The type of cheese you use will also impact the colour of the soup. Using a white cheddar will result in a white soup, while orange cheddar will give it an orange tint.
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Broth
Broccoli and cheese soup is typically made with a broth base. The type of broth used can vary, but chicken broth is a popular choice. The broth is usually combined with milk or cream, and sometimes flour, to create a thick and creamy base for the soup. The amount of milk or cream added can be adjusted to control the thickness of the soup, with some recipes calling for a mix of milk and heavy cream to achieve a rich and indulgent texture.
The type of milk used in the soup can vary depending on personal preference. Regular milk is often used, but some recipes call for whole milk or evaporated milk to add richness and creaminess to the soup. Additionally, half-and-half, a mixture of milk and cream, is sometimes used to enhance the creaminess of the soup without making it too rich.
The broth and milk or cream are typically combined and simmered together before adding the remaining ingredients. This allows the flavours to meld and creates a cohesive base for the soup. Some recipes also call for thickening the broth with flour before adding the milk or cream, creating a roux that adds to the creamy texture of the soup.
The choice of broth can also impact the overall flavour of the soup. Chicken broth, for example, can add a savoury depth of flavour that complements the cheese and broccoli well. Vegetable broth is another option that can be used to add flavour while keeping the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Some recipes also incorporate spices and seasonings into the broth to enhance the flavour of the soup. Common additions include nutmeg, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. These ingredients add depth and a subtle kick to the soup without making it too spicy.
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Spices
Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, creamy, and comforting soup that can be spiced up in a variety of ways. The spices and seasonings used can add depth of flavour and a kick of heat to the soup.
Some common spices and seasonings found in broccoli cheese soup recipes include:
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika, including smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper or cayenne powder
- Onion powder
- Dry mustard powder or ground mustard
- Nutmeg
- Chilli powder
- Chilli flakes
- Curry powder
- Bay leaf
In addition to these spices, some recipes suggest adding a small amount of lemon juice or lemon pepper seasoning, white pepper, or a hint of minced mint leaves for garnish.
When adding spices to broccoli cheese soup, it is important to taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. It is also recommended to be cautious when adding salt, as the cheese and broth used in the soup may already contain a significant amount of sodium.
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Meat
Broccoli and cheese soup is a hearty meal that can be made with a variety of meats, adding to its versatility and appeal. While the soup's primary ingredients are broccoli and cheese, meat can be included to enhance its flavour, texture, and nutritional profile. Here are some ways in which meat can be incorporated into this delicious dish:
Types of Meat
The choice of meat can vary depending on personal preference and availability. Some popular options include:
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top of the soup or mixed into it can add a savoury, smoky flavour.
- Chicken: Broccoli and cheese soup can be served as a side dish with roasted or grilled chicken. Alternatively, chicken broth or stock can be used as a base for the soup, adding depth of flavour.
- Ham: Diced ham can be added to the soup for a heartier meal.
- Sausage: Crumbled cooked sausage, especially those with bold flavours like Italian sausage, can be a tasty addition.
Preparation Methods
There are several ways to incorporate meat into the soup:
- Chunks or Strips: Meat, such as chicken or ham, can be cut into bite-sized pieces and added to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender.
- Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey can be cooked and crumbled into the soup, providing a heartier texture.
- Broth or Stock: Meat-based broths or stocks, like chicken or beef broth, can be used as a base for the soup, adding depth of flavour without any solid meat pieces.
Spices and Seasonings
To enhance the flavour of the meat in the soup, various spices and seasonings can be used:
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the meat generously with salt and pepper before cooking can enhance its flavour.
- Herbs: Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can complement the meat and overall flavour of the soup.
- Spices: Depending on the type of meat used, spices like paprika, cumin, or red pepper flakes can be added to give a kick of heat.
Presentation and Serving
When serving broccoli and cheese soup with meat, consider the following:
- Garnishes: Meat can be used as a garnish, such as crispy bacon bits or shredded chicken sprinkled on top of the soup before serving.
- Hearty Meal: For a complete meal, serve the soup with a side of meat, such as grilled chicken breasts or steak.
- Texture: Ensure that the meat is tender and complements the creamy texture of the soup. Avoid overcooking the meat to prevent it from becoming tough or chewy.
In conclusion, broccoli and cheese soup can be enhanced by the addition of meat in various forms. Whether used as a primary ingredient, broth base, or garnish, meat adds flavour, texture, and nutritional value to this comforting dish.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need butter, diced onion, garlic, flour, vegetable stock, milk, cream or half-and-half, broccoli, and cheese.
Most recipes call for cheddar cheese, but you can use other types of cheese such as parmesan, monterey jack, pepper jack, gruyère, or goat cheese.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. You can also use fresh broccoli, but you may want to pre-cook or pre-steam it if you prefer softer vegetables.
It usually takes around 30 minutes to make this soup.
