Recipe: Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

 

Nothing is better than a wonderful bowl of soup on a crisp fall day.... and this creamy soup certainly fits the bill nicely.

This soup has little prep and cooks up quickly... now how great is that?

TIPS

I use Fat Free Half and Half... it really lowers the fat content of this soup without losing the richness...

Yes.. I used real butter... nothing beats the flavor of real butter... but if you really need to cut the fat even more... by all means.. substitute a lower fat alternative.

This can be made with fresh broccoli or frozen.... I used frozen... this is not the place to skimp... don't buy store brand and buy the baby florets... Bird's Eye makes them... and they are perfect for this soup.

I cooked the broccoli in the microwave while I set up the base for this soup... it cuts the cook time down considerably.

The recipe calls for sharp cheddar.. you can use mild cheddar if you prefer.. but it won't have that stronger cheese flavor sharp cheddar gives this soup.

I used 99% Fat Free and lower sodium chicken broth.. another big fat cutter in this recipe...

This recipe is easy easy easy... honest!

Recipe:  Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

All you need:

4 tablespoons butter

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cup Fat Free Half and Half

1 cup Fat Free and Lower Sodium Chicken Broth

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups frozen broccoli baby florets, cooked

A sprinkling of garlic powder

Salt and white pepper to taste

All you need to do:

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large sauce pan.

Add the onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they're translucent and soft.  Do not let them brown, reduce heat if needed.

Add the flour all at once... mix thoroughly.  Cook for 2 minutes to cook off the flour taste.  Using a wire whisk and whisking vigorously, add the Half and Half.  Whisk until smooth and all lumps are gone.

Add the chicken broth and whisk constantly.  As the soup begins to thicken, add the cheese.  Whisk until the cheese is melted and soup is smooth.

Add the garlic powder, mix well.

Add the cooked broccoli and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve.