When you're craving a warm, comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup, you might find yourself wondering which recipe to choose. You've got options ranging from the classic creamy version to a spicy twist that adds a little heat. If you prefer a hands-off approach, there's a slow cooker recipe waiting for you. And for those who enjoy plant-based meals, a vegan alternative made with cashews could be just what you need. But what if you want to enhance your soup game even further? Let's investigate the five best recipes that can suit any taste and occasion.
Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup
Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together the earthy flavor of fresh broccoli and the richness of cheese in a warm bowl. This soup is perfect for a chilly day, as it not only warms you up but also provides a healthy dose of vegetables.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can easily whip up this delightful soup that's sure to please both family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Once the mixture is smooth, bring it to a boil and then add the broccoli florets. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For a thicker soup, you can blend more of the broccoli or add less broth.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some broccoli florets to add back in after blending. Experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor twist.
To improve the taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Finally, serving the soup with crusty bread or croutons will boost the dining experience. Enjoy your homemade Classic Broccoli Cheese Soup!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for chilly days. This hands-off recipe allows you to throw your ingredients in the slow cooker, letting it do all the work while you go about your day.
The combination of tender broccoli, rich cheese, and a velvety broth makes for a delightful meal that can be served alone or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
In your slow cooker, combine the broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and broth.
Stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika if you're using it. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the soup.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn't available; just add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add in cooked chicken or other vegetables for a heartier soup.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cheese soup without any dairy. This delightful recipe isn't only rich in nutrients from the broccoli but also features a deliciously cheesy flavor derived from cashews and nutritional yeast.
Perfect for a cozy night in or as a hearty lunch option, this soup is simple to prepare and will surely satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. Next, add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, turmeric, and garlic powder.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until creamy and smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some broccoli florets to add back in after blending.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the broccoli before adding it to the soup; this adds a depth of flavor that complements the creaminess.
If you're looking to thicken the soup further, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for future meals, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup
Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that combines the earthiness of broccoli with a kick of heat and creamy, cheesy goodness. This soup is perfect for those chilly evenings or whenever you're in need of a warm, satisfying meal.
The blend of spices will awaken your taste buds while still allowing the rich flavors of broccoli and cheese to shine through. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
Heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is warmed through, then serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the broccoli florets in the oven before adding them to the soup. This caramelizes the broccoli and improves its natural sweetness.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the simmering soup to achieve your desired consistency.
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes, and feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Enjoy your spicy broccoli cheese soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal!
Broccoli Cheese Soup With Bacon
Indulge in a rich and creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup with Bacon that combines the earthiness of fresh broccoli with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm bowl of goodness.
The addition of cheese creates a luscious texture, while the bacon adds a delightful smoky flavor that enhances this classic soup to a whole new level. Follow this simple recipe to create a hearty meal that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup diced bacon
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced bacon, cooking until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent. Next, stir in the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency or transfer it in batches to a blender. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Cook on low until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. Finally, stir in the reserved bacon just before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a thicker soup, you can blend more of the broccoli or even add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during cooking.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for unique flavor profiles.
To garnish, add a sprinkle of extra cheese or some chopped green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup with Bacon alongside crusty bread for the perfect meal!