The Best Cheeses For Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty meal that is perfect for cold winter days. The soup is typically made with a combination of broccoli, cheese, and various other vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and carrots. The type of cheese used can vary, but sharp cheddar, extra-sharp cheddar, and gruyere are popular choices. The soup is usually thickened with a roux made from butter and flour, and can be made with either vegetable or chicken broth. Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and indulgent dish that can be customised to suit individual tastes and preferences.

Broccoli cheese soup is better with freshly grated cheese

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, comforting meal, perfect for cold winter days. It's a creamy, indulgent soup, packed with flavour and nutrients. But what kind of cheese should you use to make it?

Freshly grated cheese is the best option for broccoli cheese soup. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. It may also affect the taste. Freshly grated cheese ensures a creamy, luscious texture.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese, a good-quality, sharp cheddar is a popular choice. It adds a strong, distinctive flavour to the soup. You could also use extra-sharp cheddar for an even more intense flavour. Other options include gruyere, Monterey Jack, Fontina, gouda, or Edam.

For the best results, grate the cheese yourself and avoid pre-grated cheese. This will ensure a smooth, creamy soup with a rich, indulgent flavour.

Use butter and flour to make a roux and thicken the soup

To make a roux and thicken the soup, you'll need to use butter and flour. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For the roux, you'll need butter and flour. You may also want to prepare other ingredients for your soup, such as vegetables, broth, and cheese.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a separate skillet or pan over medium heat. You'll need about 4 tablespoons of butter for this step.

Step 3: Whisk in the Flour

Once the butter is melted, it's time to add the flour. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and stir well to combine. Continue stirring and cooking the mixture for a few minutes until it forms a thick paste-like consistency. This mixture of butter and flour is your roux.

Step 4: Slowly Add Liquid

Now, it's time to add your liquid ingredients. Slowly pour in your choice of milk, half-and-half, or cream, whisking continuously as you add. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This process will create a thick and creamy base for your soup.

Step 5: Season and Combine

At this stage, you can season your roux with salt and pepper to taste. Once you're happy with the seasoning, slowly add the roux to your pot of cooked vegetables, stirring carefully to combine. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Finally, remove the pot from the heat and add your grated cheese. Stir the mixture until the cheese melts and combines with the other ingredients. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality butter and flour for the best results.
• Make sure to stir constantly while adding the flour to the butter to prevent lumps and burning.
• When adding liquid, do it slowly and in small amounts to ensure proper combining.
• Be patient and allow the roux to cook and thicken properly before adding it to your soup.
• For a smoother soup, you can puree a portion of the soup before adding the cheese.

Broccoli cheese soup can be made vegan

Broccoli cheese soup is a popular comfort food, but can be made vegan by substituting dairy products with vegan alternatives. The soup is typically made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, along with vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and onions. To make a vegan version, you can use vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese.

For a vegan broccoli cheese soup, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in vegan butter. Then, add flour and vegetable broth to create a roux, which will thicken the soup. You can use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk to make it creamy and smooth. Add the broccoli and let it simmer until tender.

To give the soup a cheesy flavour without using actual cheese, you can add nutritional yeast, which has a nutty, salty, and cheesy taste. It also provides some extra vitamins. If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can use vegan cheese shreds, such as Violife Cheddar Shreds, Good Planet Cheddar, or Vegan Cheddar from Aldi.

Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with some toasted bread or croutons. This vegan broccoli cheese soup is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.

The soup is best served with crusty bread or croutons

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, creamy dish that is perfect for cold weather. It's even better when served with crusty bread or croutons. Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

The soup's rich, tangy flavour is enhanced by the crunch of the bread or croutons. The contrast in textures creates a delightful dining experience. The bread also helps to mop up every last drop of the soup, ensuring none of the delicious flavours are wasted.

If you're serving the soup with crusty bread, choose a type that has a hard exterior and a soft interior. Sourdough is an excellent choice, as its tangy flavour and chewy texture will complement the soup beautifully. Alternatively, a crusty baguette or a rustic country loaf would also work well.

To make the most of your crusty bread, slice it thickly and toast it lightly before serving. This will create a satisfying contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, fluffy interior. If you're feeling indulgent, you could even rub the bread with a clove of garlic and drizzle it with a little olive oil.

If you prefer croutons, there are several ways to prepare them. For a classic option, cut a stale loaf into cubes, drizzle with melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and crisp, then toss with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Alternatively, you can make sourdough croutons by tossing bite-sized pieces of bread with melted butter, olive oil, and fresh thyme. Bake until golden and crisp, then sprinkle with garlic powder for an extra flavour boost.

Whether you choose crusty bread or homemade croutons, your broccoli cheese soup is sure to be a hit. So, go ahead and indulge in this comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you're craving something warm and satisfying.

Broccoli cheese soup can be made in an instant pot or slow cooker

Broccoli cheese soup is a popular comfort food, and it can be made in an instant pot or slow cooker. Here is a guide on how to make it in both.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

This recipe is perfect for busy days as it only takes a minute to cook in the Instant Pot. It is thick, creamy, and healthy, and packed with broccoli and carrots. You will need:

• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Broth (vegetable or chicken)
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Spices (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)
• Cream or half-and-half
• Cheese (cheddar, gouda, or Swiss)
• Cornstarch

First, sauté butter, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot until fragrant. Then, add the broth, broccoli, carrots, and spices. Cook on high pressure for one minute and do a quick release. Next, stir in a cornstarch-water mixture while sautéing to thicken the soup. Finally, turn off the Instant Pot and slowly stir in the cream and cheese until melted.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

This method is perfect for busy nights as you can come home to a meal that is almost ready. It is rich and creamy, and you will need:

• Broccoli
• Butter
• Onion
• Celery
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Cornstarch
• Heavy whipping cream
• Cheese (cheddar)

First, cut the broccoli into small bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the butter, onion, celery, and garlic. Then, mix the chicken broth with cornstarch and stir this into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the broccoli is tender. Finally, stir in the cream and cheese, and cook on high for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Cheese Recommendations

For the best results, it is recommended to grate your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the soup. A high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese is a popular choice for broccoli cheese soup, but you can also experiment with other varieties like gouda or Swiss.

Frequently asked questions