Copycat Bakery Broccoli Cheese Soup 🥦🧀

This creamy and comforting broccoli cheese soup is a delightful replica of your favorite bakery treat. It's simple to make and packed with cheesy goodness. The balance of tender broccoli and rich cheese makes this soup a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a warm lunch, especially when served with crusty bread! 🍞✨

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese blend

• 1 ½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup of cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Optional toppings

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Croutons
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

🥄 Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

• Add the broccoli florets and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.

• Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender.

🔄 If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend half of it and mix back in the pieces for a heartier texture.

• Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Mix until all the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• If the soup is too thick for your liking, feel free to add additional broth or cream until you achieve your desired consistency.

🥣 Remember, the soup will thicken slightly as it cools, so it’s better to keep it a bit thinner.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based, and you can add a cup of diced carrots for a touch of sweetness! 🥕
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat! 🔥
• Low-carb: Substitute the heavy cream with almond milk and reduce the amount of potatoes, or use cauliflower for a creamy base instead of broccoli.
• Slow cooker: Sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours before blending and adding cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rich and creamy broccoli cheese soup with warm, crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some additional cheese and chives on top for extra flavor! Enjoy your delightful bowl of comfort! 🍲❤️