Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe
Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the wholesome flavors of fresh broccoli and cauliflower with the indulgent goodness of cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Its velvety texture and savory taste make it an ideal comfort food for any season.
The first time I made Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup was on a chilly autumn evening. My husband and kids had spent the day raking leaves, and I wanted to surprise them with something warm and comforting. As the aroma of the simmering vegetables and melting cheese filled the kitchen, everyone gathered around eagerly waiting for dinner. The soup was an instant hit, with its creamy texture and delicious blend of flavors. Now, itโs our go-to recipe whenever we crave something hearty and satisfying, bringing warmth and happiness to our table every time.
Why Youโll Love Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cheese and cream creates a luscious, velvety soup.
- Healthy Vegetables: Packed with nutritious broccoli and cauliflower, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for any cook.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a cozy family dinner, a comforting lunch, or even a special occasion.
Ingredients Notes For Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Broccoli and Cauliflower: Fresh or frozen florets work well, providing flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor to the soup.
- Cream: Heavy cream or half-and-half gives the soup its creamy consistency.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth serves as the flavorful base for the soup.
Recipe Steps
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sautรฉ Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautรฉing until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or paprika if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup in individual portions in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
[pinterest-image message=”Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines the wholesome flavors of fresh broccoli and cauliflower with the indulgent goodness of cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Its velvety texture and savory taste make it an ideal comfort food for any season.” image=”https://charmrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Broccoli-Cauliflower-Cheese-Soup.png”]
Variations & Substitutions
- Different Cheeses: Try using a combination of cheeses like Gruyรจre, Swiss, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for added protein and heartiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, you can use milk or half-and-half, but the soup will be less rich and creamy.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
A: Make sure to add the cheese gradually and stir continuously over low heat to ensure it melts smoothly.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious.
Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 4 cups of cauliflower florets
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg optional
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sautรฉ the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Broccoli and Cauliflower: Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the pot and sautรฉ for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest with some vegetable pieces.
- Make the Cheese Base: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a few tablespoons of the warm milk to make a slurry. Slowly add the slurry back into the saucepan, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Pour the milk mixture into the blended soup, stirring to combine. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Delish