Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup -

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Cheesy Green Bliss: Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This rich and creamy soup features tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. It’s not just a meal but a nostalgic experience that brings families together. Easy to make and deliciously satisfying, this recipe invites you to create a warm, heartwarming dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner.

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (approximately 1 head)

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until they turn a vibrant green. Immediately remove the florets and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the broccoli and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes until soft and aromatic. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture of onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth roux.

Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in your choice of vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Incorporate Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until smooth, ensuring to leave some broccoli pieces for delightful texture. If you prefer your soup chunkier, feel free to blend only half or skip this step entirely.

Add Cheese and Broccoli: Lower the heat to a gentle warmth and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one cup at a time, allowing each portion to melt completely before adding the next. Fold in the blanched broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup seems too thick, stir in a bit more broth or cream until your desired consistency is reached.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the rich and creamy soup into bowls. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives. Enjoy your delicious soup with slices of crusty bread or crunchy crackers on the side!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6