Amazing Broccoli Cheese Soup With Ham

The first time I tasted broccoli cheese soup was at my grandmother’s house. It was a blustery autumn day, and the aroma of simmering cheese and vegetables enveloped me as soon as I stepped inside. I remember being mesmerized by the creamy texture and the way the little flecks of broccoli dotted the golden surface. That soup, served with a crusty roll for dipping, felt like the ultimate comfort, a warm hug in a bowl that chased away the chill and made me feel instantly loved. Now, whenever I make broccoli cheese soup, I think of her and that cozy kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Not suitable for diabetics, vegetarians or vegans. Can be modified to be gluten-free

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup broccoli, steamed and chopped
• 1 cup ham, chopped
• 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt & pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Microwave or steamer for broccoli

Instructions

1. Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt and become bubbly.

2. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the flour, salt, and pepper.

3. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk to combine the ingredients. The mixture will start to form a smooth, bubbly paste. This is the roux, and cooking it properly is essential for thickening the soup. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent burning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour in the milk and chicken broth all at once. Immediately begin stirring with a whisk to ensure the butter/flour mixture dissolves completely into the liquids. This step prevents lumps from forming.

5. Bring the mixture to a boil while continuously stirring. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.

6. While the soup is simmering, prepare your broccoli and ham. Steam the broccoli until it is tender-crisp, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the ham into similar-sized pieces.

7. Add the chopped broccoli and ham to the simmering soup.

8. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot.

9. Stir continuously until both cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

10. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Be mindful of the salt content of the ham and chicken broth when seasoning.

11. Serve the hot soup immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choice: While Velveeta adds a certain creaminess, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyere for a different flavor profile. A combination of cheeses will give you the best result!
• Broccoli Texture: For a smoother soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This will create a creamier base while still leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, the texture might change slightly, so you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Broccoli Cheese Soup with Ham hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a side salad make excellent accompaniments.

Leftover soup should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. If the soup becomes too thick upon reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cheese may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	30g	46%
Saturated Fat	18g	90%
Cholesterol	100mg	33%
Sodium	1500mg	63%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	7g	N/A
Protein	25g	50%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the ham for a vegetarian version. Consider adding other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or cauliflower.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Creamier: Substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for an even richer soup.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of added salt.
• Broccoli alternatives: Cauliflower, zucchini, and asparagus

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The soup can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Q: The soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Add a little more milk or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cheese may change.

Q: Can I use a different type of ham?
A: Yes, feel free to use any type of ham you prefer, such as leftover ham, diced ham steak, or even ham from the deli.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup with Ham a try. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a chilly day or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking – experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or spices to create your own unique version. And don’t forget to share your feedback; I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! For a complete meal, pair this soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp green salad. Bon appétit!