How to Make The Chili’s Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe at Home
Chili’s, which is formerly known as Chili’s Grill & Bar, was established in the mid-1970s in Dallas, Texas. The Chili’s restaurant’s first location was an old, converted post office on Greenville Avenue.
The original Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant concept was to craft a full-service, informal dining establishment that offers a variety of hamburgers– all offered at an affordable, family-friendly price. Eventually, Chili’s menu developed into a variety of American food with a distinct Mexican influence. In addition to Tex-Mex dishes like quesadillas and fajitas, Chili’s also offers nutritional and vegetarian menus.
The original restaurant concept proved to be quite successful. In just a few years, there were more than two dozen locations in the area – all of which featured its signature Southwest décor throughout. The restaurant is now owned by Brinker International, a restaurant group that includes Bennigans. The Chili’s brand currently has more than 1,500 locations throughout the globe in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa, as well as the Middle East.
Chili’s Broccoli cheese Soup recipe is a crowd favorite, and for many, this creamy, satisfying bowl of yumminess is the perfect lunch or dinner – on a cold evening.
How To Make Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe at Home
Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup is as flavorful as it is comforting. It tastes like it has been cooking for hours, even though it can be made in only 35 minutes.
- Preparation Time for Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup – 10 minutes
- Cooking Time – 25 minutes
- Total Preparation & Cooking Time – 35 minutes
- Serves – 12
Ingredient List for Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup
Here is what you need to make this delicious and creamy soup –
- 1/3 Cup of Butter – however Olive Oil can be used as a substitute but fails to deliver the extra richness that is created by butter.
- 1 Onion – Chopped.
- 1 to 1 ½ Package(s) of Frozen Chopped Broccoli.
Pro-tip – you can use fresh broccoli as well. - 4 (15-ounce) Cans of Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth –
- 1 Loaf of Processed Cheese Food (One Pound) – Cubed into One-inch Bites.
- 8 Ounces of Shredded Cheddar Cheese.
Pro-tip – a sharp cheddar tends to offer optimal flavor. - 2 Cups of Milk – whole milk makes this quite rich, although reduced fat works quite well. For the creamiest soup, substitute
- 1 Tablespoon of Garlic Powder.
- 2/3 Cup of Cornstarch.
- 1 Cup of Water.
Cooking Directions For Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup
This soup comes together quickly, so it is a great option when you are short on time or running late.
- Melt the butter in a stockpot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the butter.
Pro-tip – To make this delicious soup a bit fancier, when adding the onion, you can add –- 1 cup of Sliced Mushrooms
- 1 cup White Wine.
- Stir the onion/butter mixture occasionally until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped broccoli. If it is frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it.
- Cover the broccoli, onion, and butter mixture with the chicken or vegetable broth.
- Keep the heat on a medium setting and simmer the broccoli for 10 to 15 minutes – until it begins to become tender.
- Reduce the heat under the Broccoli Cheese soup.
- Add the cubes of processed and shredded cheese.
- Stir on reduced heat until it melts and melds together.
- Stir in the milk and then add the tablespoon of garlic powder.
- To thicken the Broccoli Cheese soup, stir the cornstarch in water in a small bowl (to make a slurry) until it becomes smooth.
- Stir this cornstarch/water mixture into the Broccoli Cheese soup.
- Cook the soup and frequently stir until the soup becomes thick.
Optional Toppings & Variations for Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
This soup can be topped with a variety of options. Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some cracked black pepper for a little kick. Grated cheese adds a salty, nutty note as well.
FAQS
What is the nutritional information for the Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe?
This creamy vegetarian soup has 265 calories per serving. A serving also includes 10 grams of protein and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
What can be served with Broccoli Cheese soup?
If you serve this warm, comforting soup as a main meal, pair it with –
- A leafy green salad (like a feta, spinach, and strawberry salad) or some fresh cole slaw to add some brightness.
- Sauteed veggies like kale or cabbage.
- Oven-roasted vegetables.
- A fruit salad made with apples, arugula, and walnuts. This offers a great accompaniment with a bright crunch in contrast to the creamy soup.
- Homemade onion rings.
- Sweet potato fries.
- Bowl of tortilla chips or butter crackers
- Zucchini fries.
- Quinoa, chickpea, and spinach salad can be prepared ahead of time.
- Small grilled cheese or ham/cheese panini bites.
- Bread of any type. For the daring, consider making a bread bowl (add some parmesan and butter before ladling soup, or serve this warm comfort with –
- Garlic bread.
- Focaccia.
- Simple sourdough dinner rolls.
- Cornbread or muffins.
- Breadsticks.
- Crusty French bread.
- A Charcuterie Board – this is an easy way to add some of your favorite crackers, meats, and cheeses. While originally, this board referred to cold/smoked/cured meats, it has now taken on new meanings as it has become more and more popular.
How long does Chilis Broccoli Cheese Soup keep fresh in the Refrigerator? Freezer?
Leftovers of Chilis Cheesy Broccoli Soup make a great easy lunch or dinner starter. Note that this soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored correctly in an airtight container.
Soup, like Chilis Broccoli Cheese soup recipe – those that have creamy-type ingredients do not freeze as well as soups that are without cream. This doesn’t mean the soup cannot be frozen. When the soup has cooled, pour the leftover broccoli and cheese soup into an airtight container or a plastic bag designed for use in the freezer. For the best freezing results, it is best to use the soup within four months.
Reheat the soup either in the microwave or in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
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