My Favorite Broccoli Cheese Soup

So I woke up bright and early today to create what I thought was a genius idea, a light broccoli cheese soup. Well, lets just say it failed epicly because broccoli cheese soup is just not meant to be light. It's not the same without some butter, lots of cheese and a little cream. It lacked far too much, so I tossed it down the sink and began again - the right way. With all the goodness it's intended to have. Sometimes it's worth the calories! I went with a larger portion milk to a lesser portion of cream, so it's better for you than a mostly cream or half and half version at least =). I threw in one of my favorite herbs, a bit of thyme (I tossed a bit into my gravy yesterday too it compliments a lot of foods). Then, I couldn't stick with just one type of cheese so I had to add in some Parmesan. I may call it the secret of the soup. You could even up it to 2 oz of Parmesan if you want a slightly more pronounced flavor. It really gives the soup a perfect little kick without being overpowering. Just be sure you use freshly grated cheeses, no pre-shredded in this recipe or the smooth texture of the soup would likely be ruined. Also, when I state in the recipe to very finely grate the Parmesan I mean on the funky looking, pokey side of the box grater. Grating it this way helps it melt quicker and smoother. 
I love that this soup is hearty without being too heavy. It's filling enough that it can be served as the main course. All you need is this and some fresh Crusty Rustic Bread (I live on the stuff lately) and you've got yourself an incredibly delicious, simple and comforting meal. This is definitely my new favorite Broccoli Cheese Soup! Enjoy!

Chop the broccoli into small pieces and finely grate the Parmesan (the Cheddar can be grated on the large or small grate, it will melt quickly either way).

Broccoli Cheese Soup
Yields about 4 - 6 servings

Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter, diced in cubes
1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1/2 large onion)
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (I used 2%)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 cups finely chopped, fresh broccoli pieces*
6 oz. freshly grated Sharp Cheddar cheese
1 oz. freshly, very finely grated Parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp of each, but this will vary depending on the brand of cheeses and your salt/pepper preference).

Directions:
Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium high heat. Add in onions and cook, stirring frequently until soft, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic, dried thyme and flour, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. While whisking, slowly pour in milk, chicken broth then cream. Cook, stirring frequently, just until mixture begins to gently bubble, then reduce heat to medium low, add in broccoli pieces and cook until broccoli is tender about 6 - 8 minutes, stirring frequetly. Turn heat off, add in cheese and stir until melted, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm. 

*From about 3 heads of broccoli, use floret portion only. I began with about 1 lb broccoli crowns, chopped off majority of the stems, then chopped the florets into very small pieces about 1/4 - 1/2 inch. 

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I'm almost at a loss for words to describe this Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich, it is just that good! I guess I will say, let the pictures tell you everything you need to know about this sandwich.  
Several months ago I had, I guess the word is, "pinspiration" when I saw this utterly incredible photo of a Broccoli Grilled Cheese sandwich over at BS in the Kitchen.  It left me salivating and I never did forget about it.  I was purely inspired to make my own rendition.  
If you have tried my Healthy Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe then this recipe and cooking method will be familiar to you (though this version isn't quite as healthy =). Some may say if you are going to have a grilled cheese sandwich you may as well load on the butter, use white bread and just go all out. I say otherwise, not only because it's better for you to fry with olive oil and use whole grain bread but I think it tastes better. I hope you adapt this cooking method for all your grilled cheese sandwiches, it's a small and simple step to a healthier grilled cheese.  Enjoy!

ahh, that first bite...

Broccoli Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Yields 1 Sandwich


Ingredients:
2 slices Double Fiber Bread or Whole Wheat Bread
1.5 oz Medium Cheddar Cheese, grated (about 1/3 cup packed)
1/2 oz Parmesan Cheese, finely grated (about 2 Tbsp)
1/4 cup finely chopped quality ham*
6 small broccoli florets, steamed then diced into small pieces**
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided


Directions:
In a bowl, combine grated Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, ham, steamed broccoli, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.  Layer mixture over one slice of bread then top with additional slice of bread gently pressing down.  Heat a non-stick fry pan over medium low heat then drizzle 1/2 Tbsp olive oil into pan and tilt pan back and forth to evenly coat, immediately place sandwich in pan (I don't preheat the oil because the outside would darken before the inside cooks through), cover pan with lid and cook 2 - 3 minutes until bottom becomes golden brown.  Carefully lift sandwich out of pan with a spatula then add remaining 1/2 Tbsp olive oil to pan and tilt to coat.  Carefully flip sandwich returning to pan, cover pan with lid, and cook opposite side until bottom is golden brown and cheese has melted about 2 - 3 minutes.  Serve warm.


*I put quality ham because I used leftover spiral sliced ham that I had placed in the food processor then processed several seconds until chopped into very small pieces (I always do this with leftover ham and freeze it.  It's great for salads, sandwiches, eggs and many other entrees. This recipe is a great use for that leftover spiral sliced ham this upcoming Easter).  If you don't happen to have left over ham you could also use deli ham, diced into pieces.


**I use a simple steaming method, I place 1/4 cup water in a microwave safe bowl then add broccoli florets.  Microwave on HIGH power 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes until tender, then drain water and dice into smaller pieces.


Recipe Source: inspired by BS in the Kitchen, recipe Cooking Classy