Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup I Recipe

Name: Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup I
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 0.66670000553131 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon margarine; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 (8 ounce) package wide egg noodles; 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli; 1 clove garlic, minced; 6 cups milk; 12 ounces shredded American cheese

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Broccoli and Cheese Soup with Noodles

This creamy and comforting soup is packed with flavor, combining the richness of American cheese, the tenderness of egg noodles, and the freshness of broccoli. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Ingredients

cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon margarine
5 cups chicken broth
1 (8 ounce) package wide egg noodles
1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 clove garlic, minced
6 cups milk
12 ounces shredded American cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan, melt the margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saut for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the egg noodles to the saucepan and cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the frozen chopped broccoli, cover the pan, and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and the noodles are tender.
Pour in the milk and add the shredded American cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, making sure not to let the soup boil.
Once the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth, remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1 bowl ( of the recipe)

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	483 kcal
Total Fat	24g (31% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	14g (71% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	97mg (32% Daily Value)
Sodium	1450mg (63% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate	38g (14% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	2g (8% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	12g
Protein	27g (53% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	19mg (21% Daily Value)
Calcium	544mg (42% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (11% Daily Value)
Potassium	591mg (13% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Soup: Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup is a modern comfort food that has become a staple in many households across North America. The dish combines the richness of cheese with the healthy and earthy flavors of broccoli, making it both nutritious and indulgent. The exact origins of the soup are difficult to trace, but it is believed to have been popularized in the United States in the mid-20th century. It gained widespread recognition as canned versions of the soup started appearing in grocery stores, with brands like Campbell's making it an easy-to-prepare meal for busy families. Over the years, home cooks have put their own spin on the recipe, incorporating different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings to suit personal preferences.

Regional Variations

While the base ingredients of cream of broccoli cheese soup remain largely the samebroccoli, cheese, milk, and chicken brothregional variations often influence the choice of cheese and additional flavorings. In the Northeastern United States, for example, cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese in the soup, reflecting the region's dairy-rich history. In contrast, regions like the Midwest might favor a blend of Velveeta and cheddar for a smoother, more velvety texture. Some versions in the Pacific Northwest include additional vegetables like carrots or cauliflower, reflecting the areas emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced produce. Additionally, some variations in the South might incorporate smoked meats or bacon for an extra depth of flavor.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes?

Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup stands apart from other vegetable-based soups due to its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. While soups like cream of mushroom or potato leek soup also use a creamy base, the addition of cheese gives this dish a distinct flavor profile. Unlike cream-based vegetable soups, which often focus on the natural flavors of the vegetables themselves, the cheese in this soup provides a savory and tangy contrast to the earthiness of the broccoli. Another distinguishing factor is the use of noodles in some variations, which adds heartiness and transforms the soup into a more substantial meal. The wide egg noodles complement the smooth texture of the soup, making it feel like a comforting, filling dish.

Where Is It Typically Served?

Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup is often served as a hearty starter or light main course in restaurants and cafes. It is commonly found on the menu during the colder months, as its rich and warming nature makes it a perfect choice for chilly weather. In family-style restaurants, its a popular option for a comforting lunch or dinner, frequently paired with a side of freshly baked bread or a salad. Additionally, it's a favorite choice for potlucks and gatherings, where its creamy consistency and satisfying flavor are sure to please a crowd. Its versatility also makes it a go-to dish for home cooks looking to create a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Fun Facts About Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup

Health Boost: Despite its rich and indulgent flavor, cream of broccoli cheese soup can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially when made with fresh broccoli. Broccoli is known for its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, making this soup a tasty and nutritious option.
Adaptability: The soup is incredibly versatile, and home cooks often experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique twist. Some people also add croutons, bacon, or extra herbs to elevate the dish.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tends to taste even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. It can easily be reheated for a quick meal or stored in the fridge for a few days.
Popular with Kids: Due to its creamy texture and mild flavor, Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup is often a hit with children, making it a great way to sneak in some vegetables without them noticing!

Conclusion: Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts of many, from home kitchens to restaurant menus. Whether you enjoy it with a slice of warm bread or served as part of a larger meal, its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to satisfy. With its roots in comfort food traditions and its ability to adapt to various regional tastes, it remains a popular choice for anyone looking for a cozy, satisfying soup.

FAQ about Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup I Recipe

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, do so gently on low heat, as high heat may cause the cheese to separate. Stir occasionally and add a little extra milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 2-3 months. However, note that the texture may change slightly once thawed due to the dairy content. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat slowly on the stove, stirring occasionally.

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure the cheese used is also vegetarian-friendly if that’s important to you.

Yes, Velveeta cheese is a popular substitute for American cheese in this recipe. It provides a smooth and creamy texture, which many people prefer.

If you don't have egg noodles, you can substitute them with other types of pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

If you find the soup too thin, you can thicken it by adding a thickening agent such as cornstarch, potato flakes, or a roux (a mixture of flour and butter). Add a little at a time, stirring well, until you reach the desired consistency.

Yes, this recipe is versatile and can handle additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or even cauliflower. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for firmer vegetables like carrots.

Yes, to make the soup gluten-free, you can replace the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta, and use cornstarch instead of flour if you're making a roux or thickening the soup.

If the soup tastes bland, try adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce. You can also enhance the flavor with a pinch of dry mustard or a small amount of chicken bouillon.

Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Simply chop it into florets and steam or blanch it before adding it to the soup. Make sure it’s tender before serving.

Comments

Barbara Harris

06/04/2023 10:04:27 PM

Fantastic recipe! I also opted for Velveeta and doubled the recipe with a 2-pound block. Instead of using just milk, I mixed in some Half 'n Half for extra creaminess. Thickened it up a bit by adding a flour roux at the end. This soup is incredibly comforting, especially when paired with warm rolls. It's definitely going to be a staple in my winter Sunday soup lineup. Thank you!

Laura Collins

03/25/2023 07:23:53 PM

Fantastic! I added 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 2 teaspoons of chicken stock to the recipe. The result was delicious – my husband, who is a picky eater, absolutely loved it. We have enough leftovers for Sunday lunch too.

Nancy Flores

06/14/2024 04:40:18 AM

We were gifted this recipe by a friend 25 years ago for our wedding. We made just two tweaks: swapped egg noodles for fettuccine pasta broken into 3" pieces and used Half and Half instead of milk for a creamier consistency. The real test? Our three kids, who consider it their favorite dish!

Larry Lopez

05/01/2024 01:06:45 AM

I tried this recipe with leftover homemade mac and cheese, and it turned out absolutely delicious!

Diane Jackson

07/03/2023 09:12:09 PM

I took the advice from previous reviews and included potato flakes, however, I think I'll add more next time. The dish was tasty, but a bit on the thin side for my liking. If both of my young children enjoy a recipe, it's definitely a win in my book!

Jacob Thomas

04/18/2024 01:02:33 AM

Tastes better than it appears. The creaminess is a bit off-putting, but the flavor is decent. It was a bit strange to find noodles in a broccoli soup.

Susan Scott

02/04/2023 04:10:25 AM

Quick and Delicious! This soup was a hit with everyone who tried it, and many have requested the recipe. I swapped out American cheese for Velveeta and used a medium to large onion instead of measuring precisely. Thank you for sharing such a fantastic recipe!

Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup I Recipe