Broccoli And Cheese Soup Ii
Creamy broccoli and cheese soup combines tender broccoli with rich, melted American cheese, perfect for a comforting meal suitable for lunch or dinner, especially in cooler weather.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion in margarine until tender.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add milk; cook until thickened.
- Add American cheese and stir until melted; remove from heat.
- In a separate medium saucepan, dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in water.
- Add bay leaf and frozen chopped broccoli; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf from broccoli mixture.
- Combine broccoli mixture with cheese sauce.
- Cook everything together for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. For a creamier texture, substitute half the milk with heavy cream. If you're short on time, pre-chopped fresh broccoli can replace frozen. For a heartier version, consider incorporating cooked chicken or pairing with Noodle-Rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with Coleslaw Surprise for a delightful contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Cheese Soup Ii contains roughly 1294 calories, with 26g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute American cheese with cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a sharper flavor. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the soup.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this broccoli and cheese soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon cubes and use a vegetable-based broth instead of water. This will keep the flavor robust without any meat.
Can I freeze this soup?
While you can freeze the soup, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cheese. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the cheese until reheating, then stir in fresh cheese for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).