Eat N Park Cream Of Broccoli Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever visited Eat’n Park, chances are you’ve experienced the magic of their famous Cream of Broccoli Soup. It’s that bowl of rich, velvety goodness you can’t help but order every time. This creamy, dreamy dish is a comforting blend of tender broccoli, savory broth, and a hint of cheese. But what if I told you that you could recreate this iconic soup at home?

Making this Eat’n Park-inspired soup is easier than you might think. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly evening or looking to impress your guests at your next dinner gathering, this soup is a great option. Plus, the smell of fresh, simmering broccoli and garlic filling your kitchen is enough to get anyone’s taste buds tingling. In this post, we’re going to break down the recipe step-by-step, share some expert tips, and give you a peek into variations that could take your broccoli soup to the next level.

So, grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s dive into the world of Eat’n Park Cream of Broccoli Soup!

Eat N Park Cream Of Broccoli Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For this creamy bowl of happiness, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• Broccoli Florets (about 4 cups) – Fresh or frozen works, but fresh is always preferred for that crisp texture and vibrant color.
• Butter (3 tablespoons) – This is the foundation of your creamy base. If you want an even richer flavor, you can go for salted butter.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds depth to the soup with its aromatic presence.
• Flour (1/4 cup) – To thicken the soup and create that creamy texture.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups) – This will give the soup a savory base. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Milk (2 cups) – Full-fat milk is best here for a smooth, rich texture. You could also use half-and-half for extra creaminess.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – The cheese gives the soup its signature richness and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning. Taste as you go, so it’s just the right balance of flavors.
• Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Optional, but a little goes a long way to achieving the signature silky texture.
• Optional Garnishes: Extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of parsley for that finishing touch.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is a breeze once you have everything prepped. Follow these simple steps:

1. Sauté The Broccoli And Garlic

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
   • Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting them soften slightly.

2. Create The Roux

   • Sprinkle the flour over the broccoli mixture, and stir well to coat the vegetables.
   • Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to take on a slightly golden color. This helps eliminate the raw taste of the flour.

3. Add The Broth And Simmer

   • Gradually pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and easily mashable.

4. Blend For Creaminess

   • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky for texture or blend it completely smooth for a velvety result.
   • If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be careful-it’ll be hot!).

5. Add Milk, Cheese, And Cream

   • Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream (if using). Continue cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, top with extra shredded cheese, and maybe even some croutons or chopped parsley for a little extra flair.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in this soup helps elevate the overall flavor profile and quality of the dish:

• Broccoli: Beyond being the star of the show, broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It adds not only flavor but also a dose of healthy goodness. The florets are the key ingredient because they break down nicely in the soup, giving it that signature texture.
• Butter: It’s the starting point for a rich, flavorful base. Butter contributes to both the creamy consistency and the savory depth of the soup. Some people swear by butter as the secret to great soup-don’t skimp on it!
• Garlic: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse. It brings a level of warmth and aromatic complexity to the soup that can’t be replaced by powders or substitutes. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference!
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, flavorful cheddar adds a melty, savory quality to the soup. It gives the soup its ’Eat’n Park’ vibe. If you want an extra depth of flavor, consider using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Over-Blend: If you’re using an immersion blender, keep in mind that a little texture is good. Over-blending can make the soup too thin, so pulse gently to achieve the perfect consistency.
• Temperature Control: Keep the heat low once the cheese and cream are added. This ensures the cheese melts evenly without separating or curdling.
• Broccoli Prep: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can cook the broccoli until it’s super tender. This will allow it to break down more easily when blending. If you like it chunkier, cut the broccoli into smaller pieces.
• Add Ins: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few dashes of hot sauce can give the soup an unexpected kick of flavor. Just a bit of spice can elevate the dish without overpowering it.
• Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors have more time to meld. You can even freeze leftovers if you have them!

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or need to cater to dietary preferences, here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegan Broccoli Soup: Use plant-based butter, vegetable broth, and a non-dairy milk like oat milk or almond milk. Skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Extra Creamy Broccoli Soup: Double up on the heavy cream or even add a bit of cream cheese to make it ultra-rich.
• Broccoli Cheddar and Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the soup for that salty, savory crunch. You can also mix in some roasted garlic for extra depth.
• Spicy Broccoli Soup: Toss in some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a little heat. This will give the soup a fun twist without changing its essence.

Final Words

Whether you’re enjoying this Eat’n Park-inspired Cream of Broccoli Soup with a slice of crusty bread or pairing it with a fresh salad, it’s sure to be a hit. The richness of the soup, combined with the wholesome crunch of broccoli and the savory notes of garlic and cheddar, creates the perfect comfort food for any season. You can also tweak it to suit your taste and dietary needs, which makes it versatile enough for any occasion.

The best part? You don’t need to wait for a trip to Eat’n Park to get your fix. You can whip up this comforting dish in your own kitchen, customizing it exactly to your preferences. Plus, it’s one of those soups that gets better the longer it sits, so leftovers are definitely a win.