Cream Of Broccoli Cheese Soup
A creamy, cheesy broccoli soup with a rich flavor profile, perfect for comforting meals or casual gatherings, blending tender broccoli with velvety cheese and aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 8 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound broccoli florets, steamed and chopped ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- pinch of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 5 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions in margarine until soft.
- Stir in flour, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper; cook over low heat until flour is smooth and light golden brown.
- Remove from heat and slowly add milk and chicken broth, mixing well.
- Return to heat and cook over low heat until thickened to medium consistency.
- Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted.
- Add steamed and chopped broccoli to the soup.
- Let the soup cook on the lowest heat for 15 to 30 minutes until flavors blend.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. For a healthier option, substitute half of the Velveeta cheese with shredded cheddar or a lower-fat cheese. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Famous Chicken Muenster for a comforting dinner. For a garnish, consider adding croutons or a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese on top to elevate both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Broccoli Cheese Soup contains roughly 925 calories, with 11g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1517mg per serving (66% 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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative. Just make sure to steam it before adding it to the soup to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its texture.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup after adding the broccoli. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the soup as it simmers until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and substitute the Velveeta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Ensure your margarine is also dairy-free or use coconut oil.
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).