Pioneer Woman Broccoli and Cheese Soup: A Creamy Comfort Classic

Soup is indeed good food, but broccoli cheese soup? It’s undeniably great food! Many of us have childhood memories tied to the comforting flavors of a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the aroma and taste of a well-made broccoli cheese soup that warms you from the inside out. And if you’re looking for a recipe that elevates this classic comfort food, you’ve come to the right place.

Overhead view of creamy broccoli cheese soup in a white bowl with a spoon, showcasing its rich texture and inviting appearance.

Have you ever enjoyed soup so much that you wished you could eat the bowl itself? Serving broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl takes this delightful experience to a whole new level. Imagine the joy of savoring every spoonful of creamy soup, followed by tearing off pieces of the soft, flavorful bread bowl. This presentation isn’t just fun; it transforms a simple meal into a memorable culinary adventure, especially for kids. Presenting your family with bread bowls filled with steaming broccoli cheese soup is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces and make dinner time a little more magical.

Close-up shot of broccoli cheese soup served in a bread bowl, highlighting the golden-brown crust of the bread and the vibrant green broccoli florets within the creamy soup.

Pioneer Woman Inspired Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

This recipe for broccoli cheese soup draws inspiration from classic American comfort food traditions, reminiscent of the hearty, flavorful dishes you might find in Pioneer Woman style cooking. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for a cozy lunch or a comforting main dish on a chilly evening.

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Course: Lunch, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Author: Catherine McCord

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 small onion, diced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Bread loaves for bowls (optional, for serving in bread bowls)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the flour and butter, creating a roux. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for thickening the soup.
Add Liquids: Gradually pour in the whole milk and half-and-half, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture is well combined and starts to slightly thicken.
Season & Infuse: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Simmer Broccoli: Stir the broccoli florets into the creamy soup base. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Adjust Consistency: Stir in the chicken broth. Check the soup’s consistency; it should be thick and creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach the perfect texture.
Melt in Cheese: Add the grated sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a rich and cheesy flavor.
Serve: Serve hot. For an extra special touch, serve this Pioneer Woman inspired broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls.

Notes

For a Smoother Soup: If you prefer a very smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup before stirring in the cheddar cheese. This will create a velvety smooth consistency.

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Nutrition

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