Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup in 30 Minutes or Less

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup to soothe your soul on a chilly evening. The rich, velvety texture combined with the earthy flavor of broccoli and the sharpness of cheese is a match made in comfort food heaven. But what if you’re short on time and craving this delightful dish? Fear not, because we’ve got a recipe that will have you savoring a steaming bowl of this goodness in 30 minutes or less.

Ingredients:

Before you dive into the quick and easy process of making creamy broccoli cheese soup, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Broccoli – 2 cups, chopped into small florets.
2. Onion – 1 medium-sized, finely chopped.
3. Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
4. Butter – 3 tablespoons.
5. All-Purpose Flour – 3 tablespoons.
6. Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 3 cups.
7. Milk – 1 cup.
8. Cheddar Cheese – 1 ½ cups, shredded.
9. Nutmeg – A pinch.
10. Salt and Pepper – To taste.
11. Optional Toppings: Crispy bacon bits, croutons, or extra cheese.

Now, let’s dive into the swift and satisfying process of making this delightful soup.

Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics

Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn translucent and release their wonderful aroma, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Creating the Roux

A roux, a mixture of butter and flour, is the secret behind the creamy texture of this soup. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the pot and stir vigorously to combine it with the sautéed onions and garlic. This mixture should form a thick paste, which is the base for your creamy soup.

Step 3: Broth and Broccoli

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show – broccoli. Toss in 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets and pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender. This step infuses the soup with the hearty flavor of broccoli.

Step 4: Blending

Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a countertop blender and blend in batches. Just remember to allow the soup to cool a bit before blending, and always leave a gap in the blender lid for steam to escape.

Step 5: Adding the Creaminess

Return the pureed mixture to the pot and turn the heat back on to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir well to combine. This adds the desired creaminess to your soup. As the soup warms up, sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg for a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 6: The Cheese, Please

Now comes the best part – the cheese! Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is luxuriously creamy. This will take around 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but be cautious with the salt, as the cheese can be quite salty.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Your creamy broccoli cheese soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and, if you like, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, croutons, or extra shredded cheese for that extra touch of indulgence.

Quick, Easy, and Irresistible

In just 30 minutes or less, you’ve created a steaming bowl of comfort that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. This creamy broccoli cheese soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade without the hours of cooking.

Variations and Tips:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth and non-dairy milk for a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup. Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese if desired.
• Texture Preference: If you like your soup with a bit of texture, you can reserve a handful of broccoli florets before blending and add them back in after the cheese has melted.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice for broccoli cheese soup, you can experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack to create your unique flavor profile.
• Thickening: If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can add more cheese or adjust the amount of flour in your roux.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, to maintain the creamy texture.

This quick and easy creamy broccoli cheese soup recipe is a game-changer for those seeking comfort and flavor in a hurry. With minimal effort and maximum satisfaction, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this soup will always hit the spot. So, grab your ingredients, put on that apron, and get ready to savor the deliciousness that’s only 30 minutes away.

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