Cheesy Broccoli Soup

I realize it is Memorial Day--I did have a picnic type recipe planned. But we were greeted this morning with more snow and cold weather. Perfect day to share this yummy soup!

I think I just had a life changing experience! I was looking for a tasty Broccoli Soup that used sharp cheddar cheese and a light but creamy sauce. I found this yummy recipe on Mel's Kitchen Cafe, one of my favorite blogs. In addition to the sharp cheddar cheese it also called for 1/2 cup swiss cheese. I substituted gruyere cheese for the swiss. Talk about an amazing flavor! I have never used gruyere cheese, it is a bit pricey.  I found some on sale and had to see if it really was that good. It is. I will be saving my pennies for this special cheese. I used the leftover gruyere cheese on a grilled cheese, tomato and basil sandwich. No photo I was too anxious to eat it! Delicious!


 Cheesy Broccoli Soup
1 can chicken broth
1 small onion diced
Broccoli, stems, peeled and diced
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk--I used 1%
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup swiss cheese, or gruyere
3 cups chopped, lightly steamed or blanched broccoli (put chopped broccoli in a large glass bowl, cover with saran wrap and microwave 3-4 minutes.)
Simmer chicken broth, chopped onion and broccoli stems for 15 minutes in covered small saucepan. Heat milk in microwave for a minute or two. In medium size saucepan melt butter, add flour and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes then whisk in warm milk. Stir and heat together on medium-high heat until soup starts to thicken. Add chicken broth, stir and heat. Add cheeses and steamed broccoli.
I think this soup would be yummy with any kind of steamed veggies. Cauliflower, carrots, peas, potatoes etc.