Cheddar Broccoli Soup

This cheddar broccoli soup is hands-down my family's favorite soup. Nothing has come close to beating it!

I have never met a cheddar broccoli soup that I have liked more than this one. It takes the cake. I have wanted to try and replicate the double cheddar sauce because I'm afraid Ragu will stop making it and I won't be able to make my favorite soup anymore. But so far, I have struck out on that venture. Nowadays, I make this without pureeing the veggies and with fresh broccoli and tons of it. Still love it just as much as the first time we had it.

Recipe update 1/23/2011: Another good way to prepare the soup is by puree-ing the soup after adding the broccoli florets into it (you may have to do this in a couple batches). The Panera Broccoli Cheese soup that I tried did that. I personally love the big chunks of broccoli in my soup, but it might be a way to get my 3 y/o to actually eat the broccoli.

Update 9/2/2012: Had to get a new picture of this one. We made it with fresh broccoli for the first time - you can get so much more broccoli using fresh :)

Updated 12/18/2015: Sometimes I am super lazy and don't puree anything at all. It still turns out tasting fabulous and dirties one less contraption in the kitchen!

What you need:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup rib celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrot, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cans (13 3/4 oz each) chicken broth ---OR--- about 2 cups of chicken broth made with bouillon cubes
• 1 jar RAGU Cheese Creations Double Cheddar Sauce
• 2 to 3 cups broccoli [if frozen, thaw and drain; if fresh you can steam them prior to adding, if you want]

Directions:

1. Add olive oil to a large saucepan or stockpot and heat over medium.
2. Add celery, carrot, and onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place mixture into blender. Fold up a towel and place on top of closed lid and apply pressure while you puree the mixture. 
5. Chop up broccoli, if needed.
6. Add puree back to pot and add Double Cheddar Sauce and broccoli to the soup.
7. Cook for 10 more minutes or until heated through and broccoli is cooked to desired tenderness.

Recipe Source: Unknown