Jud'S Broccoli Cheese Soup
Creamy and cheesy broccoli soup with a rich blend of American cheese, vegetables, and savory seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 pound processed American cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion flakes ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 chicken bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, grated ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring the water and chicken bouillon cube to a boil. Add the broccoli and grated carrot.
- Cook according to the broccoli package directions and remove from heat. Do not drain.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and slowly stir in the flour.
- Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly.
- Stir in the American cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced onion flakes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add the broccoli and carrot mixture to the white sauce.
- Cook over medium to low heat until the soup reaches the desired thickness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the soup once cooked. You can substitute the American cheese with sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Broccoli Cheese Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Bake(Fast And Easy) for a comforting dinner. For added texture, sprinkle some croutons or shredded cheese on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jud'S Broccoli Cheese Soup contains roughly 168 calories, with 6g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just chop it into small florets and steam or blanch it until tender before adding it to the soup. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Is there a way to make this soup healthier?
Absolutely! To lighten the recipe, you can use low-fat cheese and milk, or substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version made from low-sodium chicken broth and a bit of cornstarch as a thickener. Adding more vegetables like peas or spinach can also boost the nutritional value.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so you might need to add a little milk to restore its creaminess. It's perfect for meal prep!
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).