Today, I’m sharing my healthier broccoli and cheese soup recipe with you. Like most of my recipes, I’ve slimmed it down and shed some of the calories. Unlike most broccoli and cheese soups, it’s not cream based. This recipe is so versatile that I usually cut it in half for just my husband and I. However since this recipe is so easy to re-size, I believe it would make a great hit for a party. But before we dive into the soup recipe (careful, it’s hot), I wanted to let you know that this post is part of a blogging challenge.
Shh! It’s a Secret
I participated in a secret subject swap with 11 other brave souls. So, here is my writing prompt:
“Someone you knew in college wants to have a get-together. You have your doubts about what he/she is up to, they were pretty sneaky in college, and you weren’t really friends. Do you go?” – Submitted by Southern Bell Charm.
Boy howdy! I don’t think she knows how hard she hit the nail on the head with this question. For background, about ten years ago, a doctor diagnosed me with agoraphobia. My social issues have cost me friendships in the past. In fact, my social anxieties have kept me from really making any close friends most of my life. Case in point, I don’t even remember most of the people from my college days. If one of them reached out to me, my first reaction would probably be to question their motives.
Our Own Halloween Party – Cancelled!
(By the way, you can find the eyes for the donuts here, the teeth here, and the excellent sailor girl costume here).
I am going to extrapolate a bit from this original question. Since I am writing this post in October, I’m pretending Mystery Human invited me to a Halloween party. Sadly, since this year was a real roller-coaster, David and I made the vexing decision to cancel our legendary party this year. We’ve had one every year for the last nine years.
Now, can I get a very sad “Awwwww” from the crowd, please? Admittedly, we canceled in part because I’m feeling the over-socialization from the last few months.
Typically, I would decline someone’s invite because, unless it’s on my turf (such as my home), I don’t do well with parties. We usually keep them small, but last year’s party became surprisingly large, and I’m still reeling. So, that’s also a contributing factor in our decision to cancel. Instead, we are looking for something else to do on our Halloween weekend. Since I don’t know Mrs. Anonymous, and apparently had a pretty low opinion of her in college, at this point in my life I would have to decline.
Let’s Say I Go?
But, if I didn’t feel like I am about to experience complete emotional depletion from all the recent social activity, I may agree to go. I mean, people change. Just because she behaved like a deceitful chump in college doesn’t imply that she still operates her life in that manner. For me, college was over 20 years ago. I often look back and sing praises that I survived my own shenanigans. Maybe she feels the same?
While I don’t count many people as friends and do keep most acquaintances at a distance, you never know where a relationship will go, right? So, give me three months, and I may change my mind. I reserve the right not to, though. That’s a hazard of dealing with an introvert who happens to have agoraphobia to boot. We don’t handle social situations well.
What to Bring? Broccoli and Cheese Soup!
But, if I decided to go, I would have to bring some food. It’s just the southern “thang” to do. My momma always taught me that if you go to someone else’s shin-dig, it’s polite to bring some nibbles. And, I’ll bring David.
I need to prepare something easy since I’m already stressing about this imaginary party. Every time I ask David what he wants for dinner, my broccoli and cheese soup tops his list. He’s even “stacked the deck” and bought my favorite Boar’s Head White Aged Cheddar to “prompt” me. Since this soup is his favorite, it makes me think of him. So that also relieves the tension.
I prefer white cheddar but use your favorite. Since this soup has no cream, it’s much lighter than a traditional broccoli and cheese soup. However, it still boasts a rich, hearty taste. I recommend a good stick blender and love my OXO because it doesn’t scratch my pots and pans. Otherwise, you’ll need to transfer the soup to a blender, blend it, and then pour it back into the pot.
This soup uses broccoli stems as a thickening agent and doesn't contain cream, making it a much lower calorie version that doesn't skimp on taste. This recipe scales well and is a hit at parties.
Separate broccoli stems and florets. Chop both.
Spritz a large pot with oil. Add broccoli stems and onion and sprinkle with salt. Saute for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften a bit.
Coat veggies with cornstarch. Continue to saute veggies until they are coated.
Add nutmeg, veggie broth, and white wine. If you don't want to use wine, add extra broth to supplement liquid. Bring to a boil and simmer until broccoli is very tender (about 8-10 minutes).
Blend with an immersion blender (or carefully pour soup into a heat-proof blender) and puree until smooth. If you poured it into a blender, pour the soup back into the pot. Add florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes - until the broccoli is done.
Remove from heat and slowly add cheese, stirring. Season with salt, pepper, and sriracha to taste. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese if desired.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19g30%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 506mg22%
- Potassium 426mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin A 36%
- Vitamin C 173%
- Calcium 48%
- Iron 5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredients
Directions
Separate broccoli stems and florets. Chop both.
Spritz a large pot with oil. Add broccoli stems and onion and sprinkle with salt. Saute for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften a bit.
Coat veggies with cornstarch. Continue to saute veggies until they are coated.
Add nutmeg, veggie broth, and white wine. If you don't want to use wine, add extra broth to supplement liquid. Bring to a boil and simmer until broccoli is very tender (about 8-10 minutes).
Blend with an immersion blender (or carefully pour soup into a heat-proof blender) and puree until smooth. If you poured it into a blender, pour the soup back into the pot. Add florets and cook for another 2-3 minutes - until the broccoli is done.
Remove from heat and slowly add cheese, stirring. Season with salt, pepper, and sriracha to taste. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese if desired.
Alicia Taylor
We enjoy hosting parties and my husband and I are both avid gamers. You can find me on PS4 as SunshineFlaGirl. We also play tabletop RPGs and eurogames.
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83 Comments
Whole Food Bellies (@Wholefoodbellie)
October 30, 2017 - 9:53 pmI love that writing prompt, and I so feel you on getting over-socialized and needing to take a step back! Loving the sound of this soup, such a great bowl of comfort at this time of year
neuroticbaker
October 30, 2017 - 3:03 pmThis sounds fantastic! I love that you added white wine. It sounds so yummy.
Jane
October 30, 2017 - 1:58 pmThis is one good looking bowl of goodness! And I love that it’s the southern thing to always bring food – I live in the south west of England and am exactly the same 🙂
Alicia Taylor
October 30, 2017 - 5:24 pm🙂 I’m sure it’s a tradition to bring food in many places – but I grew up in the south. When I moved to Minnesota and had parties, most people didn’t offer to bring food – so I thought maybe it was just a regional thing.
prasanna hede
October 30, 2017 - 8:54 amSoups are so comforting specially for dinner 🙂 loved the nutmeg addition,actually I usually add slight nutmeg to my coffee too.It adds so much flavor 🙂
michelleferrand
October 29, 2017 - 11:39 pmI love the nutmeg in this recipe! It sounds so wonderful!
Amanda Mason
October 29, 2017 - 2:54 pmWhat an interesting kind of challenge and I can understand how that would be really difficult. But this soup NAILS it so I’m sure everything turned out perfect! I love the added nutmeg! I’m going to have to give that a whirl!!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
October 28, 2017 - 7:14 amThis soup looks great! Love all the flavors here. The homemade version is definitely better than store bought!
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
October 27, 2017 - 2:23 pmthis is a second broccoli cheese soup im seeing…its a sign i need to try.
Anne Murphy
October 26, 2017 - 12:34 pmI love your writing prompt! And yes, I have known people who have changed for the better – grown up, I guess – since school, so…
Love the soup, too. Thanks for the reminder of how good nutmeg is with dark greens – I often forget to use it!
sugarlovespices
October 25, 2017 - 5:17 pmI love that this cheesy broccoli soup has no added cream! It looks great and I’d like a bowl tonight for dinner! Too bad for your Halloween party, but you’ll plan it for next year!
Alicia Taylor
October 26, 2017 - 10:56 amI may plan one for next year – but I may not. Right now, I would be running around like a chicken with my head cut off planning for this weekend. Instead, I’m sitting here, sipping coffee and chatting with you. It’s really refreshing!
Veena Azmanov
October 25, 2017 - 4:39 pmI am loving all the soup recipes in my feed this fall. Love broccoli and cheese sounds so heavenly. Love that you added nutmeg in the soup. This is comfort food! Can’t wait to try it soon.
Whisk It Real Gud
October 16, 2017 - 9:45 amYummy! I wonder what nutmeg would taste like. I plan on making broccoli soup this week so I’ll add just a pinch for now and see how it goes.
Whisk It Real Gud
October 16, 2017 - 9:43 amHmmm nutmeg? It sounds delicious! I may just make broccoli soup this week and I’m going to add a pinch of nutmeg and see how it goes.
Margarette Puno
October 16, 2017 - 8:12 amOh my! My mom will love this soup. I’ll be sharing this recipe to her. Thanks.
Constance Smith | Cosmopolitan Cornbread
October 16, 2017 - 6:58 amThe weather here in Alabama has finally taken a cooler turn so that I can enjoy lovely soups such as this one that you shared. Love me some broccoli soup!
Daniela
October 15, 2017 - 3:11 pmI love this version of broccoli and cheese soup. I can’t have dairy, so I’m always looking for cream-free soups, and this one sounds like a winner.
Alicia Taylor
October 15, 2017 - 7:38 pmIt does still have cheese, and that’s dairy. However, in the scheme of things, it has almost no lactose if that’s the issue. I hope you enjoy it
The Olive Blogger
October 15, 2017 - 12:26 pmFirst off, Broccoli and Cheese Soup is always a winning dish for us, especially in the cooler Fall months we have ahead! Also, I too suffer from social anxiety (and can relate to the loss of friendships over time) how brave of you to say you would go!! I don’t know that I could (ha!) but it would be worth a try just to see what they are up to (after all, my social anxiety has caused me to be a lot more “nosy”)! 🙂
Alicia Taylor
October 15, 2017 - 7:43 pmWell, I am just as likely to changed my mind about going, too! LOL 🙂 I’m much braver on paper.
Azlin Bloor
October 15, 2017 - 11:18 amYou know, I reckon if people were mean in college for no reason, chances are, they still are! So I don’t blame you for not wanting to go. But if you had to, this broccoli soup is definitely perfect, after all, if anyone, becomes annoying, you can always …!
Alicia Taylor
October 15, 2017 - 7:43 pmI didn’t take it as the person was mean – just trouble. If they were mean, I definitely wouldn’t go.
Leslie
October 14, 2017 - 11:00 amI get the same way where I start to feel overly socialized and just need a break. It can be a bummer, but you have to take that break sometimes!
Alicia Taylor
October 15, 2017 - 7:44 pmI just usually get over-socialized way faster than most people – and need much longer breaks.
Catherine Brown
October 14, 2017 - 10:59 amThis soup looks absolutely fabulous! I love the inclusion of your personal story as well. 🙂
Rabia Lieber (@MamaRabia)
October 13, 2017 - 3:39 pmI had never had broccoli and cheese soup until a few years ago and apparently I was missing out! Unfortunately, I don’t think the kids will eat it, so I don’t make it often
Alicia Taylor
October 15, 2017 - 7:44 pmMy kids love it. Just don’t use the term broccoli – and throw in a grilled cheese sandwich.
Namrata Cooks
October 13, 2017 - 1:20 pmMy family loves cheese and broccoli soup in fall. Need to make one soon.
Linda Kurniadi
October 13, 2017 - 10:02 amThis broccoli cheese soup looks so tempting and delicious.Perfect for winter. I will definitely try to make this.
Aine Mulloy
October 13, 2017 - 7:41 amI’ve never heard of this type of soup before, it looks..interesting…..I’m not totally convinced haha!
Karen
October 12, 2017 - 6:01 pmvery brave to even consider going with agoraphobia. I am incredibly awkward and pretty much distrustful of others, so I would not go at all.
that soup looks Delicious.
Alicia Taylor
October 13, 2017 - 11:49 amThank you 🙂 I try to put myself out there as a self-therapy.
Aduke Schulist
October 12, 2017 - 10:26 amYum! Broccoli and cheese soup is one of my favorite Fall soups. I could eat it everyday!
Alicia Taylor
October 12, 2017 - 11:59 amMe too!
Karlyn Cruz
October 12, 2017 - 1:02 amHa! ha! I love the teeth on those donuts! Never seen those before, that’s for sure! lol!
I think that soup looks great! Creamy and I bet it’s delicious!
Alicia Taylor
October 12, 2017 - 11:58 amThanks 🙂 I had fun making them. I love to be fun.
Ravayna Coe
October 11, 2017 - 11:25 pmexcited to try making this- it sounds delicious!
GingerGoose Boutique
October 11, 2017 - 9:21 pmFirst, that soup looks amazing! Second, I love your story. I love it because I love that you make choices based on what is best for yourself and to take care of yourself. You always reserve the right to put yourself first!
Alicia Taylor
October 12, 2017 - 12:00 pmIt’s much easier to do now that all my kids are grown. Thankfully, David is a grown man and takes care of himself. He’s good to me and allows me the latitude to do what I need for self-care.
ashunexpected
October 11, 2017 - 7:09 pmOh my goodness I haven’t had broccoli soup in a long time. Now I am thinking I need to have that for dinner. What an interesting prompt. I don’t have a lot of friends left from college but I think I would jump at the chance to reconnect.
Alicia Taylor
October 12, 2017 - 12:01 pmI didn’t have any friends in college, really. I knew a person here and there, but I was working 3 jobs, going to school full time – and raising two kids.
Gloria Duggan
October 11, 2017 - 3:54 pmWell first…the soup sounds delicious. As for the challenge….what an interesting idea. I think I just might have to bookmark this page so I can read the other posts. I will pour a glass of wine and read away!!
Alicia Taylor
October 12, 2017 - 12:02 pmWell, it was a fun challenge for sure 🙂 We all had different prompts. It was a secret subject. I was surprised at how on the head my prompt was.
Emily
October 11, 2017 - 1:35 pmI love your photos – it makes me want to have a bowl of soup instantly! It’s not cold enough in California yet but I’ll try it on a winter night! 🙂
Akshay Malhotra
October 11, 2017 - 1:34 pmYour recipe is quite different than what I have usually read about soup with broccoli. To be honest winters are coming and soup recipes are definitely something I can make use of, so thank you for sharing with us. Hope I can make as delicious as you have described 🙂
Jack Jaleby
October 11, 2017 - 1:28 pmI am fan of all types of soup especially chicken !! Definitely I will give try on this
Alicia Taylor
October 11, 2017 - 1:58 pmWell, this one doesn’t have any chicken. It’s actually vegetarian – but I hope you enjoy it!
The Cubicle Chick
October 11, 2017 - 1:28 pmI love broccoli and cheddar soup. I would have never thought to put nutmeg in it. I would love to try this out and see how my tastebuds love it. – yolonda
Lynndee
October 11, 2017 - 11:31 amThis is the first time that I’ve actually heard of somebody that has agoraphobia. But glad that you’re considering to go. 🙂 Anyhoo, your soup looks divine and it’s making me hungry.
Le Coin de Mel
October 11, 2017 - 5:45 amI love broccoli and cheese soup: there’s something very autumnal about it, and warming. Your soup looks delicious!
Hannah
October 11, 2017 - 5:15 amThis soup looks so delicious. Perfect for the colder weather! Real sad to hear about the Halloween party being canceled though 🙁
Bintu (@recipespantry)
October 11, 2017 - 4:44 amSounds like a delicious soup especially with the inclusion of the nutmeg!
lexieanimetravel
October 11, 2017 - 4:00 amWow those doughnuts are looking perfect for halloween! I did love that recipe of the soup, as a fan of soups I love to experiment, this is real healthy one, personally I would add chicken in it. thanks for sharing!
Serena Lissy
October 10, 2017 - 11:26 pmLove a great soup in the fall!
Ginny
October 10, 2017 - 10:46 pmWow! That was quite an challenge and you hit it head on. The soup sounds perfect and love that the stems were used too. Great flavor combinations so thanks so much!
Laura
October 10, 2017 - 10:28 pmNice soup, I would have cheese everywhere. With the white wine this soup sounds like a cheese fondue
Farah
October 10, 2017 - 4:30 pmOmg this looks way to delicious. Soup is my fav during the fall because it gets cold around this time
lucicoo
October 10, 2017 - 4:21 pmYum, I will have to make this for my family soon for the cooler months. I bet the nutmeg gives it nice flavor.
reesann723
October 10, 2017 - 3:11 pmI have all of the ingredients to make this soup! I just need a cool day, it’s been such a warm october!
Louise x (@withlovefromlou)
October 10, 2017 - 6:53 amIs it wrong that I’m thinking how much I want to eat this soup right now, despite having a serious dislike of broccoli?! It just looks delicious 🙂
Louise x
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:40 pmI will eat broccoli, but it’s not my favorite vegetable. It’s something about the texture. This soup is different, though. Since it’s cut in tiny pieces, the texture isn’t an issue for me
Ricci
October 10, 2017 - 1:14 amYour recipe for broccoli and cheese soup sounds amazing!! I love that you add nutmeg to yours, I will have to try that!!
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:40 pmCinnamon works well, too. I’ve accidentally swapped them before.
Rachee
October 9, 2017 - 10:58 pmI’ve been making a soup a week and want to add this to the mix. My teen can’t have dairy so I’m going to find a substitute for the cheese but this is definitely being added.
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:41 pmThere are some vegan cheese substitutes that you might want to try. I have seen people use them for grilled cheese sandwiches, so they melt. You may want to look into those.
Nikki
October 9, 2017 - 10:44 pmI understand the social thing. I get overstimulated really easily and I’m normally emotionally drained after gatherings. That soup sounds amazing! Soup for fall and winter is a must.
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:42 pmSoup eases the trouble of the soul! I even eat it in the summer, depending on what veggies are in season. Yes – after big social gatherings, I sometimes won’t leave the house for weeks.
Jasmine Espinal
October 9, 2017 - 9:36 pmProps to you because I don’t trust many people! As for the soup; yum! I love finding low cal versions of classic soup recipes just like this one!
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:43 pmI don’t either. When my husband read this, he said “What do you mean you would question their motives? You are more likely to question their very reason for existing in your air space?” LOL
Jamie Reed
October 9, 2017 - 7:55 pmYum, I love broccoli and cheese soup but have never attempted to make my own! This recipe looks easy enough for me to try!
fashionbeyondforty
October 9, 2017 - 7:42 pmI am so sorry you deal with that issue. I will say though, nutmeg added to this soup makes it sound SO DANG GOOD! I must make this!
Amber
October 9, 2017 - 6:58 pmOoo yes please. I just love broccoli and cheese soup. I always get it when I go to delis and have yet to make it on my own. I need to!
Lois Alter Mark
October 9, 2017 - 6:33 pmI think so many people can relate to your feelings. That soup looks so delicious that maybe it would give you the confidence to go to a party and have a good time, knowing how much people love what you made.
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:43 pmI prefer to throw my own parties. I put on quite the shin-dig and then stand back and watch everyone. I enjoy doing that sometimes.
Catherine Brown
October 9, 2017 - 6:12 pmI love this post so much! Thank you for sharing… and making me want to read more. I love broccoli soup too…. and the addition of nutmeg and Sriracha, spot on!
Alicia Taylor
October 10, 2017 - 12:44 pmI am glad you enjoyed the post 😀
Rebecca Bryant
October 9, 2017 - 5:39 pmI love a good bowl of soup. I also love Halloween. I would totally bring this to a party.
brandidcrawfordgmailcom
October 9, 2017 - 4:04 pmI have yet to add nutmeg to my broccoli and cheese soup. This sounds like a fab idea! Looks amazing.
Rena
October 8, 2017 - 8:25 pmI have the same issues but haven’t been diagnosed like that. I very rarely ever leave my house. A trip to Walmart can get overwhelming pretty quickly at times.
minlang01
October 7, 2017 - 6:21 pmThe recipe looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it. As far as the party? You’re a better woman than I am. I would just say no on general principle
Alicia Taylor
October 7, 2017 - 7:53 pm🙂 I like to try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but honestly, I’m pretty suspicious by nature.
bakinginatornado
October 6, 2017 - 11:02 amI think it’s very brave of you, considering the agoraphobia, to even consider that you may go rather than just ruling it out without consideration.
Your soup sounds absolutely delicious, I’ll need to try it on a cold fall night.