Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a warm and comforting dish that blends the flavors of cheese and broccoli into a creamy delight. This soup is perfect for chilly days, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or a cozy lunch at home. Plus, it’s very easy to prepare, so you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.

Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Broccoli Cheese Soup is great for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple and requires just a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Second, it’s a fantastic way to get your family to enjoy vegetables, especially if they are not big fans of broccoli. The creamy cheese flavor tends to be a real crowd-pleaser! Finally, you can easily customize the soup to your taste, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli

Directions:

1. In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion in butter until soft. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and fragrant.
2. In a crock pot, combine the sautéed onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, Velveeta cheese, and frozen chopped broccoli.
3. Stir to mix all ingredients well. Be sure that the cheese is mixed throughout the liquids.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the cheese to melt nicely and the flavors to blend. Cook until heated through and creamy.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup
Serve your Broccoli Cheese Soup hot, preferably garnished with some extra cheese or croutons on top for added texture. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. The warm soup is perfect for cold weather or a cozy night in with family.

How to Store Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm throughout.

Tips to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup

1. For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of milk or add some flour when sautéing the onion.
2. If you like a little spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
3. Always stir the soup occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.

Variation
For a lighter version, you can replace Velveeta cheese with lower-fat cheese options or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or cauliflower, for extra nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just chop it into small pieces and cook it for a shorter time to ensure it stays tender.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe? Yes, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
3. Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Cheese Soup. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.