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A steaming bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup is comfort food at its finest. This homemade version elevates the classic with crispy bacon and a velvety cheese sauce that wraps around tender broccoli florets like a warm hug. After experimenting with countless variations, I've found this combination creates that perfect balance of creamy indulgence and wholesome vegetables that makes you want to lick the bowl clean.
While testing this recipe, my picky-eater nephew asked for seconds - a miracle for any vegetable-based dish. The secret? The perfect ratio of cheese to broccoli and that irresistible bacon garnish.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Broccoli: Fresh gives the best texture, cut into uniform pieces for even cooking
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-shredded. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor depth
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for better texture and more pronounced flavor
- Carrots: Matchstick cut ensures they cook evenly with the broccoli
- Milk: Whole milk creates the best consistency. Lower fat varieties can make the soup less creamy
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium to control the salt level
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Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. Build the Flavor Base
- Step 1:
- Cook bacon until perfectly crisp, not burnt
- Step 2:
- Reserve that valuable bacon fat - it's liquid gold for flavor
- Step 3:
- Sauté vegetables in butter and bacon drippings until tender
- Step 4:
- Cook flour mixture until raw flour taste disappears
2. Create the Perfect Consistency
- Step 1:
- Add liquids gradually while whisking to prevent lumps
- Step 2:
- Maintain medium heat to allow soup to thicken properly
- Step 3:
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking
3. Finish with Finesse
- Step 1:
- Add cheese gradually to ensure smooth melting
- Step 2:
- Fold in sour cream off heat to prevent curdling
- Step 3:
- Adjust seasoning before serving
My grandmother always said that soup should be "thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to still be soup." This recipe achieves exactly that perfect consistency.
Temperature Matters
Keeping the heat moderate throughout cooking prevents the dairy from separating. I've learned this lesson the hard way - patience yields the smoothest result.
Make-Ahead Magic
While best served fresh, you can prep all vegetables and cook the bacon ahead. This makes weeknight assembly lightning-fast.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this in homemade bread bowls for special occasions. The crusty bread soaking up the creamy soup creates an unforgettable meal.
Storage Solutions
If you manage to have leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the original creamy texture.
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Final Thoughts: This Loaded Broccoli Cheese Soup represents comfort food at its finest - familiar enough to be comforting but special enough for company. Each batch I make reminds me that sometimes the simplest ingredients, treated with care and attention, create the most memorable meals. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a satisfying lunch, it never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent separation.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
- Freezing is not recommended as dairy-based soups can separate and become grainy when thawed.
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the soup without thawing, but you may need to adjust cooking time.
- → How can I make the soup thicker?
- For a thicker soup, you can add more flour to the roux or use less liquid. The soup will also naturally thicken as it cools.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Skip the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.