Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A rich and creamy soup made with broccoli,cauliflower, chicken sausage, and cheddar cheese, blended with hearty beans fora nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 8 ounces sweet Italian chicken sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 3–4 ounces)
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 8 cups 20 ounces of finely chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets, roughly one small head of each
- 1 can (15 ounces of Great Northern beans or any other white beans, drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 –1½ tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional; see notes)
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for serving if desired)
Instructions
- Cook the Aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the chicken sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Broth: Stir in the grated carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Add the chicken or vegetable broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender.
- Puree for a Smooth Texture: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot until it reaches a creamy consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
- Incorporate Beans and Milk : Stir in the white beans and milk. If a thicker consistency is desired, whisk the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with a small amount of milk before adding to the soup.
- Incorporate Cheese: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring in small portions until fully melted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Dish and Serve: Pour the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with extra shredded cheese. Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 320