This healthy cream of broccoli soup is a perfect blend of nutritious broccoli, creamy milk, and sharp cheddar cheese. It's a comforting and wholesome dish that's easy to prepare and ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in the average pantry or refrigerator. However, you might need to ensure you have reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream on hand. If you don’t typically stock these items, a quick trip to the supermarket will help you gather these key components.
Ingredients For Healthy Cream Of Broccoli Soup
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: A healthier alternative to regular chicken broth, this provides the base for the soup, adding depth of flavor without too much salt.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and savory note to the soup.
Carrot: Provides a natural sweetness and additional nutrients.
Celery: Adds a mild, aromatic flavor and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
Garlic: Infuses the soup with a rich, aromatic flavor.
Broccoli florets: The star ingredient, providing a robust, earthy flavor and plenty of nutrients.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the soup without the heaviness of cream.
Reduced-fat sour cream: Adds a tangy, creamy texture to the soup.
Ground black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of spice.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, sharp finish to the soup.
One reader, Edgard Ham says:
This healthy cream of broccoli soup is a delightful blend of flavors! The reduced-fat ingredients make it guilt-free, and the sharp cheddar adds a perfect touch. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Making Cream of Broccoli Soup
How to chop vegetables: Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the soup. How to prepare broccoli florets: Cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking. How to use an immersion blender: Carefully blend the soup until smooth, ensuring all vegetables are fully pureed. How to adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more black pepper if needed to suit your preference. How to stir in cheese: Gradually add the cheddar cheese while stirring continuously to ensure it melts evenly into the soup.
How To Make Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup
Skip the canned version and whip up your own cream of broccoli soup at home! It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients, and takes only 30 minutes to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4¼cupsreduced-sodium chicken broth,or vegetable broth
- ⅔medium onion
- ⅔carrot,peeled and chopped
- 1celery stalk,chopped
- 1garlic clove,chopped
- 5cupsbroccoli florets
- ½cupmilk,2%
- 3tbspreduced-fat sour cream,plus more for optional garnish
- ground black pepper,to taste
- ½cupsharp cheddar cheese,shredded
Instructions
-
In a medium-sized stock pot, bring the chicken broth, onions, carrots, garlic, and celery to a boil.
-
Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Add the broccoli, milk and pepper and cook, then cook for 10 more minutes, covered.
-
Add the sour cream, then puree soup with an immersion blender.
-
Adjust the black pepper to taste, then heat through over medium heat.
-
Stir in the cheddar cheese.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 162.11kcal
- Fat: 8.26g
- Saturated Fat: 4.63g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.53g
- Carbohydrates: 12.01g
- Fiber: 1.11g
- Sugar: 3.58g
- Protein: 12.22g
- Cholesterol: 23.03mg
- Sodium: 754.83mg
- Calcium: 240.29mg
- Potassium: 682.79mg
- Iron: 1.71mg
- Vitamin A: 288.71µg
- Vitamin C: 86.32mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Cream of Broccoli Soup
When pureeing the soup with an immersion blender, make sure to move the blender around in a circular motion to ensure a smooth and even consistency. This will help break down all the vegetables thoroughly and give your soup a creamy texture without any lumps.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, carrot, celery, and broccoli florets in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch of soup and freeze portions for quick meals later.
Immersion blender efficiency: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to save time on transferring and cleaning.
Quick broth heating: Heat the chicken broth in the microwave before adding it to the pot to speed up the boiling process.
Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
reduced-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: This keeps the soup vegetarian while still providing a rich flavor.
onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that complements the broccoli well.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips add a slightly nutty and sweet flavor, enhancing the soup's depth.
celery stalk - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a subtle anise flavor that pairs nicely with the broccoli.
garlic clove - Substitute with shallot: Shallots offer a milder, more delicate garlic flavor.
broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower provides a similar texture and can be used to create a creamy base.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a lower-calorie, dairy-free alternative that still adds creaminess.
reduced-fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is high in protein and adds a tangy flavor while keeping the soup creamy.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, less pungent heat that blends seamlessly into the soup.
sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor while being dairy-free and adding extra nutrients.
Best Presentation Ideas for Cream of Broccoli Soup
Use a pristine white bowl: Select a deep, pristine white bowl to create a striking contrast with the vibrant green broccoli soup.
Garnish with a broccoli floret: Reserve a small, perfectly cooked broccoli floret and place it gently in the center of the soup for an elegant touch.
Drizzle with sour cream: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a fine line of reduced-fat sour cream in a circular pattern around the broccoli floret.
Sprinkle with sharp cheddar: Finely grate the sharp cheddar cheese and sprinkle a small amount over the soup, allowing it to melt slightly and add a touch of color and flavor.
Add a dash of black pepper: Grind fresh black pepper over the top of the soup just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a subtle kick.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Pair the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side, placed on a separate small plate to complement the dish without overwhelming it.
Finish with a sprig of fresh herbs: Place a small sprig of fresh parsley or thyme on the edge of the bowl to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cream of Broccoli Soup
Medium-sized stock pot: Used to bring the chicken broth, onions, carrots, garlic, and celery to a boil and to cook the soup.
Lid: Used to cover the stock pot while simmering and cooking the soup.
Immersion blender: Used to puree the soup to a smooth consistency after adding the sour cream.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, milk, and broccoli florets accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sour cream and ground black pepper.
Cutting board: Used to chop the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
Chef's knife: Used to chop the vegetables and garlic.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the soup and incorporate the cheddar cheese.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the soup warm.
Storing and Freezing Cream of Broccoli Soup: A Guide
Let the cream of broccoli soup cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and diluting the soup's flavor.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The soup may thicken slightly when chilled, but it will thin out again when reheated.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider leaving out the sour cream and cheddar cheese until you reheat it. Dairy products can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed.
To freeze the soup, pour it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents.
Cream of broccoli soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you left out the sour cream and cheddar cheese before freezing, stir them in during the reheating process.
If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Cream of Broccoli Soup
Stovetop method: pour the leftover cream of broccoli soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the sour cream to curdle and affect the texture of the soup.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the soup on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is quick and convenient, but be cautious not to overheat the soup, as it can cause the ingredients to separate or become grainy.
Double boiler method: this gentle reheating method is ideal for preventing the soup from curdling or separating. Place the leftover soup in a heat-proof bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan filled with a few inches of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir the soup occasionally until it is heated through. This method takes longer than the stovetop or microwave methods but ensures that the soup maintains its creamy texture.
Slow cooker method: if you have a large quantity of leftover broccoli soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker and heat it on low for 1-2 hours, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating. This method is ideal for reheating large batches of soup without the need for constant monitoring.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the soup well before serving to redistribute any separated ingredients and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of chicken broth or milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Interesting Trivia About Cream of Broccoli Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that using reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream helps lower the overall sodium and fat content, making it a healthier option compared to traditional cream of broccoli soup.
Is Making Cream of Broccoli Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This healthy cream of broccoli soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like broccoli, onions, carrots, and celery are affordable and widely available. The use of reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream keeps it both healthy and budget-friendly. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$12 USD.
Is Cream of Broccoli Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cream of broccoli soup recipe has several healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:
Positives:
- Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- The recipe uses reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream, which helps limit sodium and fat content
- The inclusion of onion, carrot, celery, and garlic adds depth of flavor and additional nutrients
Negatives:
- The recipe still includes sour cream and cheddar cheese, which contribute saturated fat and calories
- While milk is a source of calcium, it also adds some fat and calories to the dish
To make this soup even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk to reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining a creamy texture
- Opt for fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of reduced-fat sour cream to further cut down on saturated fat
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or choose a low-fat, sharp cheddar to maintain the flavor with fewer calories and less fat
- Add more vegetables, such as diced zucchini or cauliflower florets, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content of the soup
- Experiment with herbs and spices, like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on excess salt or cheese
Editor's Opinion on This Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
This healthy cream of broccoli soup recipe is a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The use of reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream keeps it light, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds a satisfying richness. The combination of vegetables provides a robust, earthy base, and the immersion blender ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. It's a nutritious, comforting dish that's perfect for a cozy meal. Adjusting the black pepper to taste allows for a personalized touch, making it versatile for different palates. Overall, it's a well-rounded, wholesome soup that's both delicious and health-conscious.
Enhance Your Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Soup Recipes to Try
Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Cream of Broccoli Soup
Why trust this Healthy Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe:
This healthy cream of broccoli soup recipe is a perfect blend of nutritious ingredients and delicious flavors. Using reduced-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat sour cream, it ensures a lighter option without compromising taste. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese provides a rich, creamy texture that complements the fresh broccoli florets. This recipe is easy to follow, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a wholesome, satisfying meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Copycat Potbelly’s Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe (Copycat)
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Vegetarian Low Carb Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
Vegan Keto Broccoli Soup Recipe
Soup Maker Broccoli and Stilton Soup Recipe
Campbell’s Cream of Broccoli Soup Recipe
Broccoli Potato Soup Recipe
Easy Broccoli Soup Recipe
Smooth Broccoli Vitamix Soup Recipe
