Broccoli cheese soup is a creamy, cheesy soup made with broccoli, onions, carrots, garlic, cheese, and broth. It’s a comforting and delicious soup that is perfect for chilly weather. The key ingredients that give this soup its signature flavor are broccoli, cheese, and a creamy base.
Broccoli
The star ingredient in broccoli cheese soup is of course broccoli. Broccoli provides the main vegetable flavor and texture. Typically the broccoli is chopped into small florets before adding to the soup. Using fresh broccoli results in the best flavor, but frozen broccoli can also be used.
Onions and Garlic
An aromatic base of onions and garlic adds layers of flavor to broccoli cheese soup. The onions are sautéed until translucent before the broccoli and other ingredients are added. Garlic is added towards the end to lightly infuse the soup with its pungent flavor.
Carrots
Carrots are often included in broccoli cheese soups. The carrots add sweetness to balance out the other flavors. They also complement the flavor of the broccoli. The carrots are chopped or diced and sautéed along with the onions.
Cheese
Cheese is essential for making this soup creamy, rich, and decadent. The cheese also gives the soup its distinctive cheese flavor. Some common cheese choices for broccoli cheese soup include:
- Cheddar – melty and full flavored
- Monterey jack – melty and mild
- Colby – melty and mild
- Gruyere – nutty, melty flavor
- Fontina – earthy, melty
The cheese is stirred in towards the end until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. The flavor and meltability of the cheese are the most important factors. Sharp cheddar and Gruyere are excellent choices.
Broth or Cream
The base of broccoli cheese soup can be made with broth, cream, or a combination of both. Chicken or vegetable broth provides savory flavor. Heavy cream or half and half gives the soup a lush, creamy texture. Using all cream will result in an ultra creamy and rich soup. A combination of cream and broth yields a soup balanced between creamy and brothy.
Thickening Agent
A thickening agent helps give broccoli cheese soup its signature thick, creamy texture. Some options for thickening the soup include:
- A flour and butter roux
- Cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- Pureed potatoes
- Evaporated milk
The roux or starch is whisked into the hot soup and simmered until thickened. Potatoes can be cooked right in the soup and mashed to release their starch. Evaporated milk naturally thickens the soup as it simmers.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper, and nutmeg are commonly used to season broccoli cheese soup. The salt enhances the overall flavor. Freshly cracked pepper provides a touch of spice. And nutmeg complements the cheese flavors. Paprika or cayenne can also add a dash of heat.
Making the Soup
Here is an overview of the basic steps for making broccoli cheese soup:
- Sauté the onions and carrots until softened.
- Add the broccoli and garlic and cook briefly until bright green.
- Whisk in the flour roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and cream.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
The soup can be finished with extras for flavor and texture like cooked bacon pieces, croutons, or chives.
Ingredients
To summarize, the main ingredients in broccoli cheese soup include:
| Ingredient | Key Role |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | Main vegetable and source of flavor |
| Onions | Aromatic flavor base |
| Carrots | Provides sweetness |
| Garlic | Adds pungent, aromatic flavor |
| Cheese | Gives creaminess and cheese flavor |
| Broth and/or Cream | Provides liquid base and creaminess |
| Thickener | Gives the soup a thick, creamy texture |
| Seasonings | Enhance and balance flavors |
Conclusion
Broccoli cheese soup brings together a tasty medley of broccoli, cheese, and creamy ingredients. By sautéing the vegetables, pureeing and thickening with a roux or cream, and finishing with melted cheese, you end up with an irresistible soup. The combination of vegetables, cheese, and seasonings gives this soup its signature flavor and creamy, comforting texture.