Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Gina Whitley
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Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
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11 Min Read

Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Cream Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare a delicious broccoli cream with cheddar cheese, a dish that combines the smoothness of broccoli with the intensity of melted cheese. This recipe is perfect to enjoy at home, easy to make and with a restaurant-worthy flavor. Ideal to keep you warm and nourished in any season.

Preparation time

To better organize yourself when cooking this delicious cream, here are the estimated times:

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes
  • Total: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 3 people
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the cream

  • 1 cup finely chopped broccoli stem
  • 2 cups finely chopped broccoli florets
  • 2 carrots (1 cup chopped)
  • 1/4 white or yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 2 tablespoons of wheat flour
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

If you don't have heavy whipping cream, you can use table cream or even try with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, although this has not been tested with this recipe. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour, but avoid almond or coconut flours as they are not suitable for making the roux that thickens the soup.

Utensils we will use

  • Large pot for cooking vegetables and cream
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping broccoli, onion, and carrot
  • Spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Blender or immersion blender to process part of the mixture
  • Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredient quantities

Preparation

1. Cook the base vegetables

  1. Wash and prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets and stems under the tap, then cut them into small pieces to facilitate cooking.
  2. Cook the vegetables: In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and broccoli stem along with the garlic powder. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.

2. Thicken the mixture with roux

  1. Add the flour: Incorporate the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will help thicken the cream.

3. Add broth and cook broccoli

  1. Incorporate the liquid: Add the chicken or vegetable broth along with the finely chopped broccoli florets. Use a spoon to scrape off any residue stuck to the bottom of the pot, which will add more flavor.
  2. Cook until softened: Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender.

4. Blend and complement the texture

  1. Process the cream: Reserve a portion of the mixture to leave it with texture and blend the rest until you get a homogeneous and smooth cream.
  2. Return to the pot: Pour the blended mixture back into the pot.

5. Add cream and cheese for the final touch

  1. Incorporate the cream: Add the cup of liquid cream, mix well and heat without letting it boil, to prevent the cream from curdling.
  2. Melt the cheese: Turn off the heat and add the grated cheddar cheese, mix until the cheese is completely melted.
  3. Adjust seasoning: Taste the cream and adjust with salt and pepper to taste.

To finish and serve

If you like a more intense cheese flavor, you can add an additional half cup directly to the cream and stir until incorporated. Serve hot and garnish with croutons or more grated cheddar cheese for a crunchy touch and extra flavor. This cream is ideal to accompany with artisan bread or as a warm starter in a complete meal.

I want to share these tips with you

  • Avoid lumps: When adding the flour to make the roux, cook long enough to eliminate the raw taste and ensure a smooth texture.
  • Ideal texture: Always leave a portion unblended so that the cream doesn't become too runny or monotonous.
  • Cream substitute: Use unsweetened liquid cream or half-and-half; avoid very thick creams that can curdle the mixture.
  • Extra cheese: Add more cheese at the end if you prefer a more intense and melted flavor.
  • Homemade broth: If you have homemade broth from Gallina Blanca o Knorr, the flavor will be even deeper.
  • Freezing: You can store the cream in portions, but it's better to add the cheese just before serving to maintain its optimal texture.
  • Accompaniments: Combine this cream with a fresh broccoli and carrot salad for a balanced menu.

Nutritional Information per serving

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Proteins: 12 g
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use.


5 keys to make the broccoli and cheddar cheese cream perfect

  1. Select good broccoli: Use fresh broccoli, preferably medium-sized and without yellowish spots to ensure a sweet flavor and uniform texture.
  2. Respect the roux: Cooking the flour and butter combination well prevents a raw taste and is key for a creamy thickness without needing a lot of cream.
  3. Do not blend the entire mixture: Leaving part unblended adds texture and makes the cream more pleasant to the palate.
  4. Adjust the cream: If you use very thick cream, dilute it with a little water to maintain the ideal consistency.
  5. Cheese at the end: Always add the cheese when the heat is off so it doesn't overcook and become grainy.

When is it ideal to enjoy broccoli and cheddar cheese cream?

This dish is perfect for cool or rainy days when you're looking for comforting food, but it also serves as an elegant appetizer for family dinners or special celebrations. Its creaminess satisfies cravings for warm food, while the vitamins from the broccoli provide nutritional benefits. You can enjoy it as a light meal accompanied by toasted bread or as part of a hearty menu with salads or tender meats. It's an excellent option for those looking to include vegetables in a tasty way in their daily diet.


Similar recipes to vary with broccoli and cheese

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese CreamBroccoli, cheddar cheese, liquid creamCreamy texture with chunks, classic flavor and easy to prepare
Creamy soup of cauliflowerCauliflower, onion, vegetable brothSofter flavor, light option without strong cheese
Pasta primavera my styleFresh vegetables, pasta, cheeseComplete dish with carbohydrates and cheese, ideal for lunch
Mac and CheesePasta, cheddar cheese, butterHeavier dish, very creamy and with intense cheese
Broccoli and carrot saladBroccoli, carrot, citrus dressingFresh and crunchy option, no cooking
Asparagus creamAsparagus, cream, brothSubtle different vegetable flavor, smooth and delicate cream
Soup of French onionCaramelized onion, toasted bread, cheeseSweet and toasted flavor, with gratin texture

Share your experience

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Have you already prepared this broccoli and cheddar cheese cream? Tell us how it turned out, if you accompanied it with any special touch or any variation you've tried. We love to hear about your culinary adventures and help you improve! Leave your comment and share your own tricks so that more people can enjoy this versatile recipe.


Culinary glossary for preparing broccoli and cheese cream

  • Roux: Mixture of fat (butter) and cooked flour used to thicken sauces and creams.
  • Florets: Small branches or parts of broccoli that are separated for cooking.
  • Deglaze: Technique that consists of adding liquid to loosen and take advantage of the residues stuck to the bottom of the pot to give it more flavor.
  • Liquid whipping cream: Dairy product with high fat content used to make creams and whipped cream, it does not contain sugar.
  • Croutons: Small pieces of toasted or fried bread used to add crunchy texture to soups and salads.
Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream
Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Broccoli And Cheddar Cheese Cream: step-by-step recipe creamy and very smooth. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: cream, broccoli, cheese, cheddar, Mexican, soups, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 250 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT20M

Total Time: PT35M

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli, in florets
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (preferably La Moderna or Campbell's based)
  • 1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream (from Nestlé or Herdez)
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (can vary with Gouda or blue cheese for different flavors)
  • 2 tablespoons of butter (recommendation: use Souper Chef Margarine for enhanced flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons of wheat flour (or gluten-free alternative from Maizena)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste (optional, to enhance the flavor)
  • Croutons or extra cheese for garnish (optional)
  • Smoked Gouda cheese for a strong touch
  • Coconut milk instead of traditional milk for a vegan option
  • Various types of cheese to experiment with flavors

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Cooking: :

Cooking: 20 minutes

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Total: :

Total: 35 minutes

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 servings

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Step 1 :

Do not overcook the broccoli: only until it is tender to maintain its vibrant green color.

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Step 2 :

Pay attention to the temperature when adding the milk and cheese: lower the heat to prevent the cream from splitting.

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream

Step 3:

Use high-quality grated cheeses, preferably from brands like Jumex or La Moderna, which provide better melt and flavor.

Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream
Editor's Rating:
4.5
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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
1 Comment
  • This ‘Broccoli and cheddar cheese cream’ is very practical and tasty. I added a touch of lemon and it turned out great.

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