2 Comforting Broccoli Soup Recipes: Classic & Cheesy Variations

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Warm up your day with these delicious and easy-to-make broccoli soup recipes. Whether you’re craving a light and healthy option or a rich, cheesy comfort food, these recipes have you covered. Both soups can be prepared in 20 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

1. Simple Classic Broccoli Soup

Ready in 14 minutes (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 4 mins)

This pure and simple broccoli soup lets the natural flavors of fresh broccoli shine through. It’s light, healthy, and perfect for those watching their calories or looking for a clean-eating option.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1 head fresh broccoli
• 6 cups water (1.4 L)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Crispy croutons
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh herbs
• A swirl of cream
• Toasted pine nuts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broccoli by carefully cutting off the florets from the stem.
2. Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
3. Season the water with salt.
4. Add broccoli florets and cover the pot.
5. Cook for 3½-4 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the florets.
6. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and transfer to a blender.
7. Add pepper and gradually add the reserved broccoli cooking water.
8. Blend until smooth, adding more cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.

Chef’s Tips:

• Save the broccoli stems for stir-fries or slaws
• For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water
• Test broccoli doneness carefully – overcooked broccoli can become bitter
• Blend in batches if necessary, starting with less liquid and adding more as needed

2. Indulgent Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ready in 20 minutes (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 10 mins)

This rich and creamy version combines two types of cheese with fresh broccoli for the ultimate comfort food experience. Served with cheesy baguette toasts, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients (4 servings):

• 3½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (350g)
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (110g)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ clove garlic
• 3 cups milk (710 mL)
• 1 cup chicken stock (240 mL)
• 1 cup finely chopped broccoli (250g)
• 1 baguette for cheese toasts

Instructions:

1. In a pot over medium heat, combine the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese with cornstarch and cayenne pepper.
2. Once the cheese begins to melt, gradually add minced garlic, milk, and chicken stock, stirring constantly.
3. Add the finely chopped broccoli to the mixture.
4. Let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes while preparing the cheese toasts.
5. For cheese toasts: Slice baguette, top with shredded cheddar, and broil for 3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Chef’s Tips:

• Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture
• To prevent cheese from clumping, toss it with cornstarch before melting
• Keep heat at medium to prevent cheese from separating
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level
• For extra richness, use whole milk

Serving Suggestions:

Both soups can be enhanced with various toppings and sides:

• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Extra cheese garnish
• Crispy bacon bits
• Sour cream dollop
• Fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or dill)
• Crusty bread or rolls
• Green salad for a complete meal

Storage Tips:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently
• Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating if soup is too thick
• The classic version freezes well; the cheese version is best fresh

Nutritional Notes:

• The classic version is naturally low in calories and high in vitamin C
• The cheese version provides significant protein and calcium
• Both soups are excellent sources of fiber from the broccoli
• For a lighter cheese version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk

These versatile soups can be adapted to various dietary preferences:

• For vegetarian cheese soup: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock
• For vegan classic soup: Add nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor
• For gluten-free: Skip the baguette or use gluten-free bread
• For lower sodium: Reduce added salt and use low-sodium stock

Whether you choose the light and healthy classic version or the rich and creamy cheese variation, these broccoli soups are sure to become family favorites. They’re perfect for cold weather days, light lunches, or whenever you need a comforting bowl of homemade soup.

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