Broccoli Cheese Soup VII: A Creamy, Dreamy Delight!

Broccoli cheese soup is a classic comfort food, and for good reason. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with the goodness of broccoli. This particular version, which we’re affectionately calling “Broccoli Cheese Soup VII,” takes all the best elements of traditional recipes and elevates them to a new level of deliciousness. We’re talking extra creamy, extra cheesy, and bursting with flavor. This isn’t your average soup; it’s an experience!

This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. We’ll break down each step with clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring your soup turns out perfect every time. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of the most comforting broccoli cheese soup you’ve ever tasted!

Why This Recipe is Special

There are countless broccoli cheese soup recipes out there, so what makes this one stand out? Here are a few reasons why we think you’ll love Broccoli Cheese Soup VII:

* **Ultimate Creaminess:** The secret to our soup’s luxurious texture is a combination of ingredients and techniques that ensure a velvety smooth finish. We’ll use a roux as a base, along with cream and milk, to achieve the perfect consistency.
* **Intense Cheese Flavor:** We don’t skimp on the cheese! We use a blend of cheeses to create a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Sharp cheddar is the star, but we also incorporate other cheeses for added depth.
* **Perfectly Cooked Broccoli:** Nobody likes mushy broccoli. We’ll show you how to cook the broccoli just right, so it’s tender-crisp and retains its vibrant green color.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or toppings to make it your own.
* **Freezable:** This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. You can enjoy it any time you need a quick and comforting dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), unsalted
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup
* **Chicken Broth:** 4 cups (low sodium preferred)
* **Milk:** 2 cups (whole milk or 2%)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** 4 cups, shredded (freshly shredded is best)
* **Monterey Jack Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded (optional, but adds great flavor)
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but adds warmth)
* **Hot Sauce:** A dash or two (optional, for a little kick)

**Optional Toppings:**

* Croutons
* Shredded cheese
* Bacon bits
* Chopped green onions
* Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Whisk
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup VII:

**Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli**

1. Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water.
2. Cut the broccoli head into florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Discard the tough ends of the stem or peel and chop the tender parts of the stem into small pieces.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Make the Roux**

1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic.
2. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a smooth paste (this is the roux).
3. Cook the roux for another minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is important for the flavor of the soup.

**Step 4: Add the Broth and Milk**

1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and the broth is fully incorporated.
3. Pour in the milk and stir to combine.

**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**

1. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly.

**Step 6: Add the Broccoli**

1. Add the broccoli florets to the soup.
2. Cover the pot and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it will become mushy.

**Step 7: Add the Cheese**

1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
3. If the cheese doesn’t melt smoothly, you can return the pot to very low heat and stir constantly until it melts. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as this can cause the cheese to separate.

**Step 8: Season and Finish**

1. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
2. Add a dash or two of hot sauce (if using) for a little kick.
3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Stir in the heavy cream for extra richness and creaminess.

**Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Ladle the Broccoli Cheese Soup VII into bowls.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or sour cream.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Broccoli Cheese Soup VII:

* **Use Freshly Shredded Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and has a better flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. Cook it until it’s tender-crisp.
* **Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth:** This will allow you to control the amount of salt in the soup.
* **Adjust the Cheese to Your Liking:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Swiss, or Colby Jack would all be delicious additions.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Use an Immersion Blender:** If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup after the broccoli is cooked. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gluey.
* **Don’t Boil the Soup After Adding the Cheese:** Boiling the soup after adding the cheese can cause the cheese to separate and become stringy.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about broccoli cheese soup is that it’s so versatile. Here are a few variations and add-ins to inspire you:

* **Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup for a little heat.
* **Smoked Gouda Broccoli Cheese Soup:** Substitute some of the cheddar cheese with smoked Gouda for a smoky flavor.
* **Roasted Broccoli Cheese Soup:** Roast the broccoli before adding it to the soup for a deeper, more complex flavor.
* **Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup:** Add cauliflower florets along with the broccoli for a more nutritious and flavorful soup.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, ham, or bacon to the soup for a heartier meal.
* **Add Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the soup for a more aromatic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli Cheese Soup VII is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing! The creamy soup and cheesy sandwich are a match made in heaven.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.
* **Salad:** A light salad balances out the richness of the soup.
* **Baked Potato:** Top a baked potato with Broccoli Cheese Soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Quesadillas:** Dip quesadillas into the soup for a fun and flavorful twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
* **Storage:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** This soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without toppings)

* Calories: 450-550
* Fat: 30-40g
* Saturated Fat: 20-25g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 600-800mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 8-10g
* Protein: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.*

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheese Soup VII is a comforting, creamy, and incredibly delicious soup that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure cheesy goodness! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #BroccoliCheeseSoupVII. Happy cooking!