T.G.I. Friday’s Broccoli Cheese Soup

This soup is so good and so easy. Now you can create a restaurant copycat at home by tossing a few ingredients into a pot.

T.G.I. Friday’s Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delicious and creamy soup that combines the flavors of broccoli and cheese. It is a popular menu item at T.G.I. Friday’s restaurants and can be replicated at home with a few simple ingredients.

The soup is made using a base of chicken broth, half-and-half, and water, which provides a creamy and rich texture. The addition of American cheese adds a smooth and velvety consistency, while also infusing the soup with a cheesy flavor.

To enhance the taste, dried onion flakes and black pepper are added to the soup, providing a subtle yet aromatic seasoning. These ingredients help to balance the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli.

The star ingredient, broccoli, is added in bite-size florets, which cook gently in the soup. As the soup simmers, the broccoli becomes tender, maintaining its vibrant green color and adding a refreshing element to each spoonful.

Once the soup is ready, it is served hot and can be garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese. This adds an extra layer of cheesiness and a bit of texture to the dish. The combination of creamy soup, tender broccoli, and melted Cheddar cheese creates a comforting and satisfying bowl of goodness.

T.G.I. Friday’s Broccoli Cheese Soup is a favorite among soup lovers and makes for a comforting meal, especially during colder months. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a side of bread or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal. Whether enjoyed at the restaurant or prepared at home, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds with its creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors.

SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup water
• 4 slices American cheese
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried onion flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 1/2 cups bite-size broccoli florets

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large soup pot, combine the chicken broth, half-and-half, water, American cheese, flour, dried onion flakes, and black pepper.
2. Stir the mixture constantly as you bring it to a boil.
3. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add the bite-size broccoli florets to the pot.
5. Simmer the soup for about 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
6. Serve the soup hot and garnish each bowl with shredded Cheddar cheese for added flavor and texture.

TIPS:

• Use fresh broccoli: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen ones. Fresh broccoli will retain its vibrant green color and provide a nice crunch to the soup.
• Adjust the cheese: If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can experiment with different types of cheese or increase the amount of American cheese. Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses can also be used for added richness.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli: To retain the bright green color and a slight crispness of the broccoli, be careful not to overcook it. Simmer the soup just until the broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite to it.
• Blend for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. This will give the soup a creamy and velvety texture.
• Customize with toppings: While the soup is delicious on its own, you can customize it with various toppings. Consider adding crumbled bacon, diced red bell peppers, or chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad: To complete the meal, serve the Broccoli Cheese Soup with some crusty bread or a side salad. The bread can be used for dipping into the soup, while a side salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
• Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more black pepper, dried herbs, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.