I don’t know what it is about the combination of broccoli and cheese together in a soup that makes it so good. This particular soup is one I like to make for a simple dinner or lunch, usually with a generous slice of bread on the side so I can properly clean the bowl. A rustic soup relies on the right mixture of texture and flavor to make it deliciously satisfying, and that’s just what I intend to do here.

Building layers of flavor will bestow upon this soup a richness that makes a broccoli cheese soup so darn good. Russet potatoes will give the soup its creaminess, but potatoes on their own are bland. I add flavor by cooking the potatoes in chicken broth and then adding sharp cheeses and subtly sweet sautéed onions to round out savoriness.

To make this a broccoli cheese soup, I need broccoli and cheese! One of my favorite shortcuts is microwave steamed broccoli. It saves me the process of prep work, not that it’s difficult, but I like not having something else to clean. But now, I’m ready for soup. I’ll fill the bowl and with my soup and then put about a 1/4 cup of the cubed chicken in the center of the bowl. I toss my toasted croutons over the top and grab a big spoon; I’m ready for comfort food!

A bowl of warm and hearty, rich and creamy soup is the definition of comfort food. The soup is simple to make, and its rustic charm adds a mystery ingredient that makes it taste so amazing. Enjoy!