Cream Of Broccoli And Cheese Soup
Cream of broccoli and cheese soup offers a comforting blend of tender broccoli, savory chicken, and smooth cottage cheese, all enveloped in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a starter, its rich flavors and velvety texture make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped celery, onion, and broccoli in the microwave on high for 6 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes.
- Set the cooked vegetables aside.
- Blend cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until very smooth.
- Slowly add milk while continuing to blend the cottage cheese.
- Add the undiluted cream of chicken soup to the cheese and milk mixture and blend well.
- Combine the mixture with the cooked vegetables in a microwave-safe dish.
- Microwave until heated thoroughly, about 3 minutes, without boiling.
- Stir in salt and white pepper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, try substituting half-and-half for the whole milk. For added nutrition, throw in some carrots or spinach along with the broccoli. This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover vegetables from other dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy lunch option. For a heartier dinner, consider serving alongside chicken recipes like Bacon Wrapped Chicken or Bisquick Chicken Pie for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot, or warm gently on the stovetop. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Broccoli And Cheese Soup contains roughly 391 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Just follow the recipe until combining the mixture with the vegetables, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep.
Can I freeze this soup?
While freezing is possible, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy content. If you plan to freeze, omit the cream of chicken soup and add it fresh when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using a can of cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream sauce. You can also blend together vegetable broth with a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour to create a similar consistency. This way, you can maintain the creaminess without using chicken broth.
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).