For content creators and food enthusiasts alike, inspiration often comes from unexpected places. In the realm of heartwarming, home-style cooking, Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, stands as a true kitchen kindred spirit. Her recipes, shared across her popular blog, Food Network show, and bestselling cookbooks, are more than just meals; they are invitations to gather loved ones around the table and savor delicious moments. Each dish she presents is not just something you want to eat immediately but also an experience to be shared in good company, ideally in a cozy ranch setting.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays
Her cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, is a treasure trove of comforting recipes perfect for sharing. Ree’s signature step-by-step photo style makes every recipe approachable and enjoyable. This cookbook beautifully captures the essence of celebrations throughout the year, offering everything from festive New Year’s Day dishes to the quintessential Thanksgiving feast. It’s no wonder this cookbook is a sought-after gift, bringing the warmth of home-cooked holidays to kitchens everywhere.
Among the delightful recipes within, the Broccoli-Cheese Soup recipe stands out as a classic comfort food. Its rich flavors and creamy texture are particularly appealing, especially as the days get shorter and cooler. Inspired by this very soup, we’re also exploring a creative twist: a Broccoli Cheddar Panini, designed to capture the essence of the soup in a sandwich form.
Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe in The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays
Reflecting on the Broccoli-Cheese Soup presented in a charming bread bowl, the thought arose: how would these comforting flavors translate into a panini? The foundational elements—broccoli, cheddar, and sourdough—were obvious starting points. To truly echo the “soup” experience in a sandwich, sautéed onions were incorporated. The result? A resounding success! Below, you’ll find both the original Pioneer Woman Broccoli-Cheese Soup recipe and the inspired Broccoli Cheddar Panini recipe, perfect for enjoying the comforting flavors in different, delightful ways.
Ree Drummond’s Broccoli-Cheese Soup Recipe
From The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, by Ree Drummond. Reprinted with permission.
This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is a heartwarming classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting lunch. It’s straightforward to make and yields a generous amount, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 broccoli heads, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Small bread loaves for bowls (optional, but recommended for a traditional presentation)
Directions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and whisk to combine, creating a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Build the Creamy Base: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously until smooth and combined. This ensures a lump-free, creamy base for the soup.
- Season and Simmer: Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the broccoli florets and stir them into the liquid. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened.
- Adjust Consistency: Stir in the chicken broth to reach the desired consistency. If the soup is thicker than you prefer, add a splash more broth until it’s just right.
- Melt in the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, cheesy soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare Bread Bowls (Optional): If using bread bowls, cut off the top third of each bread loaf at an angle and remove the “lid”. Hollow out the inside, leaving a ½-inch rim. (Save the bread chunks for dipping or another use.)
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheddar Soup into bowls or bread bowls. Top with extra shredded cheese for an appealing finish.
This soup is not only delicious but also embodies the comforting and generous spirit of The Pioneer Woman’s cooking style. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Broccoli Cheddar Panini Recipe: A Soup-Inspired Sandwich
By Kathy Strahs, PaniniHappy.com
Inspired by the creamy and cheesy goodness of the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheddar Soup, this panini recipe transforms those beloved flavors into a delightful sandwich. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the essence of broccoli cheddar soup in a fun, hand-held format.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 panini
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
- 8 slices sourdough or other rustic white bread, sliced from a dense bakery loaf
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced
- 3/4 cup cooked, chopped broccoli florets
Directions:
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until they become translucent and beautifully browned, adding a layer of sweet depth to the panini.
- Prepare the Panini Press: Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s ready for grilling.
- Assemble the Panini: For each sandwich, spread butter on one side of two bread slices. Flip one slice over so the buttered side is down. On the unbuttered side, layer with sliced cheddar cheese, sautéed onions, cooked broccoli florets, and another layer of cheddar cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the Panini: Grill two panini at a time on the preheated panini press, closing the lid. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheddar cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve Immediately: Once grilled to perfection, serve the Broccoli Cheddar Panini immediately and enjoy the comforting combination of flavors and textures.
This Broccoli Cheddar Panini is a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
