20-Minute Broccoli Cheese Soup — Comfort in a Bowl!

20-Minute Broccoli Cheese Soup — Comfort in a Bowl!

Creamy broccoli cheese soup brightened with onion and carrot, ready in just 20 minutes for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Method

 

1. In a large saucepan, cook butter, onion, and carrots over medium heat until onion softens (about 3 minutes). Add broccoli, chicken broth, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until broccoli is tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Remove 1 cup of vegetables, coarsely chop, and set aside. Using an immersion blender, blend remaining vegetables and broth.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a small amount of the blended soup until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in the remaining blended soup. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese and reserved chopped vegetables, and serve immediately.

Notes

– Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
– If you like a thicker soup, blend more of the vegetables.
– Experiment by adding other veggies like cauliflower or spinach for variety.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

The technique that makes it

The key to a rich and creamy broccoli cheese soup that comes together in just 20 minutes lies in the careful layering of flavors and textures, and the emulsification of the cheese. We start by sautéing the aromatics – onion and carrot – in butter. This gentle cooking process softens them and releases their natural sweetness, forming the flavor base. The addition of broccoli florets and broth, along with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, allows the broccoli to become tender while infusing the liquid with its distinct flavor. Crucially, the flour is whisked into the sautéed vegetables before the broth is added. This creates a roux, a paste of fat and flour that acts as a thickening agent. When the hot broth is gradually incorporated and simmered, the starch in the flour gelatinizes, thickening the soup without the need for heavy cream. The final step involves melting in the cheese. To prevent a greasy or grainy texture, it’s best to add the cheese off the heat or at a very low simmer, stirring until just melted. This method ensures the cheese emulsifies smoothly into the soup, creating a velvety consistency.

Troubleshooting

• Soup is too thin: If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
• Soup is too thick: To thin out a soup that has become too dense, gradually stir in more chicken broth or milk, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Cheese is clumpy or greasy: This often happens when cheese is overheated. Ensure the soup is off the heat or at a bare simmer before adding cheese. Stirring constantly until just melted helps create a smooth emulsion.
• Broccoli is mushy: To maintain a bit more texture, add the broccoli florets during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering the broth, rather than cooking them for the entire duration.

Substitutions

• Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: While this recipe achieves creaminess through the roux and cheese, you can add ½ cup of heavy cream or milk along with the cheese for an even richer texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère for a nutty note or Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
• Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have dried thyme, you can use 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, added during the last few minutes of simmering.

Pro tips

• Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.
• If you like a thicker soup, blend more of the vegetables.
• Experiment by adding other veggies like cauliflower or spinach for variety.

Try this broccoli cheese soup and feel free to add your twist with extra veggies or spices. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!

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