Easy Cheese And Broccoli Soup
A creamy, cheesy broccoli soup with tender vegetables and toasted French bread, perfect for comforting meals and easy enough for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and celery; cook and stir for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Add frozen sliced carrots, broccoli cuts, and chicken broth.
- Cover and bring to a boil, separating broccoli with a fork.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add skim milk and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cheese spread until melted.
- Pour soup into ovenproof casserole or individual soup bowls.
- Place cheese wedges on French bread slices and float on top of the soup.
- Broil until the cheese melts and turns a delicate brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic along with the onion and celery. If you want a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. You can substitute the process cheese spread with shredded sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious served with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or any of your favorite chicken recipes. The cheese-topped French bread adds a delightful crunch, making it a perfect accompaniment to the creamy soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheese And Broccoli Soup contains roughly 889 calories, with 20g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (161% of the Daily Value), calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1078mg per serving (47% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add the cheese topping just before serving to keep it fresh and melty. When reheating, do so gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure the cheese spread is free from animal products. This will keep the soup rich and flavorful while catering to vegetarian diets.
Can I freeze the soup for later use?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the texture may change upon thawing due to the dairy. If you plan to freeze it, consider omitting the milk and cheese until you're ready to serve. Once thawed, reheat and add the fresh ingredients to restore creaminess.
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).