Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Sauté the Vegetables**: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This helps to build the base flavor of the soup.

2. **Add the Vegetables**: Stir in the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly before adding the broth.

3. **Simmer the Soup**: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli and cauliflower are tender.

4. **Blend the Soup**: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. You can blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth with some small chunks for texture, or blend it completely, depending on your preference.

5. **Make It Creamy**: Once the soup is blended to your liking, add the milk or cream and stir to combine. Let the soup heat through for a few more minutes, adjusting the consistency with more milk or broth if needed.

6. **Add the Cheese**: Slowly stir in the shredded cheese, one handful at a time, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. Continue stirring until the soup is creamy and the cheese is fully incorporated.

7. **Season and Serve**: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra kick, you can add Dijon mustard or a few drops of hot sauce. Once the flavors are balanced, serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup**

– **Cheese Choices**: While cheddar is the most common choice for this soup, feel free to mix things up. A blend of cheddar, gouda, or Gruyère can give your soup a deeper, more complex flavor.

– **Texture Control**: If you prefer a chunky soup, simply blend half of the soup and leave the rest as is. This gives you the best of both worlds—smooth creaminess with some vegetable texture.

– **Add-ins and Variations**: This soup is quite customizable. You can add extra vegetables like carrots, spinach, or potatoes, or even cooked chicken for added protein. For a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using gluten-free broth and a cornstarch slurry if you need to thicken the soup.

– **Make Ahead and Store**: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can even be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it gently over low heat and stir occasionally to bring it back to the right consistency.

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### **Health Benefits of Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup**

While cheese often gets a bad rap, this soup can actually offer some great nutritional benefits when made with whole, fresh ingredients. Here’s why:

– **Broccoli and Cauliflower**: Both vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Broccoli is particularly known for its cancer-fighting properties due to its high levels of sulforaphane, while cauliflower is a great source of Vitamin C, which helps boost immunity.

– **Calcium and Protein from Cheese**: The cheese in this soup is a great source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. It also adds protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

– **Balanced Comfort**: While it’s a rich and creamy soup, the balance of vegetables, cheese, and a lighter broth helps keep it from being overly indulgent.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

This soup is filling and flavorful on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple sides:

– **Crusty Bread**: Serve the soup with a slice of toasted sourdough or a buttery baguette for dipping.

– **Salad**: Pair the soup with a light side salad of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach to balance the richness of the soup.

– **Grilled Cheese**: For a classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich never goes out of style when served alongside creamy soup.

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### **Conclusion**

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup is the perfect blend of comforting flavors, creamy textures, and nutritious ingredients. It’s an easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich, velvety soup that’s both hearty and healthy. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking to get more veggies into your diet, this soup is sure to become a new favorite.