Broccoli Cheddar Soup

YIELD: SERVES 6-8

EASY BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

PREP TIME 30 MINUTES

 

COOK TIME 15 MINUTES

 

TOTAL TIME 45 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

•  3 1/2 cups chicken broth
•  1/2 cup finely diced onion (white or yellow)
•  1 teaspoon salt
•  1/2 teaspoon pepper
•  5-6 cups (about 30-36 ounces) chopped broccoli (see note)
•  4 cups milk (I use 2%)
•  1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use 2/3 cup if you want it extra thick)
•  3 cups (12 ounces) freshly grated cheddar cheese (see note)
•  1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Swiss cheese (see note)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large saucepan (6-quarts or so), add the chicken broth, onion, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the broccoli (it won't be completely covered with liquid). Cover the pot and cook for 8-9 minutes until the broccoli and onions are tender.
2. In a blender, combine the milk and flour and process until smooth. Slowly add the milk mixture to the soup, stirring quickly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheese, one handful at a time, letting each addition melt before adding more. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
4. Serve immediately (the soup will thicken as it cools).

NOTES

I like the broccoli chopped pretty small for this soup - but you can chop it as small or as large as you prefer.

Also, remember that pre-shredded cheese won't melt as well in this soup thanks to the powdery substance that's added to it to prevent clumping (the powder prevents it from melting as smooth and creamy as block cheese you grate yourself). I prefer sharp cheddar cheese (extra sharp makes the soup a little gritty and mild cheddar cheese doesn't have as much flavor). 

For Instant Pot fanatics, I think this stands a good chance of working in the IP (taking notes from this IP creamy potato soup recipe). Maybe combining the broth, salt, pepper, onions, and broccoli and cooking at HP for 1-2 minutes. Quick release the pressure and then use the saute function when adding the milk and cheese? Just a starting place.