![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups quality vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a richer texture) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Choosing fresh ingredients matters. Fresh broccoli gives your soup a bright taste and color. Look for florets that are firm and vibrant green. Avoid any that are yellow or wilted. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar works best. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. You can also try other cheeses like Gruyère for a unique twist. For the best soup, use quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth is tasty, but store-bought can save time. Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. But remember, it may not be as rich. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Enjoy cooking! 1. Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. 3. The goal is to make the onion soft and clear. 4. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for one minute. 5. The garlic should smell great but not brown. 6. Now, it's time to add the broccoli florets. 7. Pour in the vegetable broth and raise the heat. 8. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. 9. Cook until the broccoli is tender, which should take 8 to 10 minutes. 1. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender. 2. Carefully puree the soup right in the pot. 3. If you prefer, use a traditional blender instead. 4. Just blend the soup in small batches. 5. Return the blended soup to the pot after each batch. 1. Keep the soup on low heat after blending. 2. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream for richness. 3. Add sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you like. 4. Next, mix in the grated cheddar cheese. 5. Stir until the cheese fully melts, creating a creamy texture. 6. If you want the soup thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water. 7. Stir this slurry into the soup and let it simmer. 8. Cook for an extra 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens. 9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. 10. Serve hot and garnish with parsley for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. To make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup truly velvety, you can use cornstarch. This thickener works great if you want a richer texture. Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the soup. Once you stir it in, let the soup simmer for a few minutes. This method will give your soup that perfect thickness. For that smooth feel, blending is key. I prefer an immersion blender for ease. It’s quick and you can blend right in the pot. If you use a regular blender, be careful. Always blend in batches to avoid spills. Blend until no chunks remain. Adding spices and herbs can take your soup to the next level. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors. Experiment to find what you love best. When it comes to cheese, you can switch it up for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mild cheddar is creamier. For a fun twist, try adding a bit of Gruyère or pepper jack cheese. This will give your soup a unique kick. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can make this soup vegan by swapping out some ingredients. Use non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream. Cashew cream or coconut cream works well. For cheese, choose a vegan cheese that melts nicely. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic real cheese. This change keeps the soup creamy while being plant-based. You can boost the nutrition of your soup by adding more veggies. Try adding carrots, spinach, or peas for extra color and vitamins. Grains like quinoa or brown rice add fiber and protein. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. These add-ins make the soup heartier and more filling. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Store the soup in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor. - Freezing for later use: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bags. Leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your soup again, reheating it properly is key. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but don’t boil to keep the cream from separating. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This method works well if you're in a hurry. Following these steps helps keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup delicious and smooth. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more tips! You can make your soup thicker with easy options. One great method is a cornstarch slurry. To do this, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into your soup while it simmers. It will help achieve a rich texture. You can also use less broth or add more cheese. Each option makes the soup heartier. Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Cook the soup, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Just remember to leave some room in the container for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This soup pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A grilled cheese sandwich is another classic choice. You might also enjoy it with some roasted vegetables or a light pasta. These options make for a complete meal and elevate your dining experience. For more delicious ideas, check the Full Recipe. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese. I shared tips on selecting quality items to enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and blending. Plus, we explored variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, the right ingredients and techniques create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with this comforting soup!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6809dc08-79d7-460e-8406-9c06eb05ac01-768x768.webp)
If you’re searching for a warm, hearty meal, look no further than creamy broccoli cheddar soup. This easy recipe bursts with flavor and offers a perfect blend of fresh broccoli and rich cheese. I’ll walk you through each step, from picking the best ingredients to achieving that velvety texture. Whether you enjoy a classic version or want to try a vegan twist, you will love this satisfying dish. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups quality vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a richer texture)
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Choosing fresh ingredients matters. Fresh broccoli gives your soup a bright taste and color. Look for florets that are firm and vibrant green. Avoid any that are yellow or wilted. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar works best. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. You can also try other cheeses like Gruyère for a unique twist.
For the best soup, use quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth is tasty, but store-bought can save time. Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. But remember, it may not be as rich.
You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
1. Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes.
3. The goal is to make the onion soft and clear.
4. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for one minute.
5. The garlic should smell great but not brown.
6. Now, it’s time to add the broccoli florets.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and raise the heat.
8. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
9. Cook until the broccoli is tender, which should take 8 to 10 minutes.
Blending for Smoothness
1. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender.
2. Carefully puree the soup right in the pot.
3. If you prefer, use a traditional blender instead.
4. Just blend the soup in small batches.
5. Return the blended soup to the pot after each batch.
Final Touches
1. Keep the soup on low heat after blending.
2. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream for richness.
3. Add sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you like.
4. Next, mix in the grated cheddar cheese.
5. Stir until the cheese fully melts, creating a creamy texture.
6. If you want the soup thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water.
7. Stir this slurry into the soup and let it simmer.
8. Cook for an extra 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10. Serve hot and garnish with parsley for a nice touch.
For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup truly velvety, you can use cornstarch. This thickener works great if you want a richer texture. Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the soup. Once you stir it in, let the soup simmer for a few minutes. This method will give your soup that perfect thickness.
For that smooth feel, blending is key. I prefer an immersion blender for ease. It’s quick and you can blend right in the pot. If you use a regular blender, be careful. Always blend in batches to avoid spills. Blend until no chunks remain.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding spices and herbs can take your soup to the next level. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors. Experiment to find what you love best.
When it comes to cheese, you can switch it up for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mild cheddar is creamier. For a fun twist, try adding a bit of Gruyère or pepper jack cheese. This will give your soup a unique kick.
For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking!
Variations
Vegan Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
You can make this soup vegan by swapping out some ingredients. Use non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream. Cashew cream or coconut cream works well. For cheese, choose a vegan cheese that melts nicely. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic real cheese. This change keeps the soup creamy while being plant-based.
Add-Ins for Extra Nutrition
You can boost the nutrition of your soup by adding more veggies. Try adding carrots, spinach, or peas for extra color and vitamins. Grains like quinoa or brown rice add fiber and protein. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. These add-ins make the soup heartier and more filling. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup fresh, follow these steps:
– Refrigeration guidelines: Store the soup in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
– Freezing for later use: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bags. Leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Instructions
To enjoy your soup again, reheating it properly is key. Here are the best methods:
– Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but don’t boil to keep the cream from separating.
– Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This method works well if you’re in a hurry.
Following these steps helps keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup delicious and smooth. Don’t forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more tips!
FAQs
How can I make my soup thicker?
You can make your soup thicker with easy options. One great method is a cornstarch slurry. To do this, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into your soup while it simmers. It will help achieve a rich texture. You can also use less broth or add more cheese. Each option makes the soup heartier.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Cook the soup, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Just remember to leave some room in the container for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?
This soup pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A grilled cheese sandwich is another classic choice. You might also enjoy it with some roasted vegetables or a light pasta. These options make for a complete meal and elevate your dining experience. For more delicious ideas, check the Full Recipe.
This blog post showed you how to make a tasty broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese. I shared tips on selecting quality items to enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and blending. Plus, we explored variations and how to store leftovers.
Remember, the right ingredients and techniques create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with this comforting soup!
![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups quality vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a richer texture) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Choosing fresh ingredients matters. Fresh broccoli gives your soup a bright taste and color. Look for florets that are firm and vibrant green. Avoid any that are yellow or wilted. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar works best. It melts nicely and adds a rich flavor. You can also try other cheeses like Gruyère for a unique twist. For the best soup, use quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth is tasty, but store-bought can save time. Heavy cream adds creaminess and richness. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half. But remember, it may not be as rich. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Enjoy cooking! 1. Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes. 3. The goal is to make the onion soft and clear. 4. Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for one minute. 5. The garlic should smell great but not brown. 6. Now, it's time to add the broccoli florets. 7. Pour in the vegetable broth and raise the heat. 8. Bring this mix to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. 9. Cook until the broccoli is tender, which should take 8 to 10 minutes. 1. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender. 2. Carefully puree the soup right in the pot. 3. If you prefer, use a traditional blender instead. 4. Just blend the soup in small batches. 5. Return the blended soup to the pot after each batch. 1. Keep the soup on low heat after blending. 2. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream for richness. 3. Add sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if you like. 4. Next, mix in the grated cheddar cheese. 5. Stir until the cheese fully melts, creating a creamy texture. 6. If you want the soup thicker, mix cornstarch with cold water. 7. Stir this slurry into the soup and let it simmer. 8. Cook for an extra 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens. 9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. 10. Serve hot and garnish with parsley for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section. To make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup truly velvety, you can use cornstarch. This thickener works great if you want a richer texture. Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry before adding it to the soup. Once you stir it in, let the soup simmer for a few minutes. This method will give your soup that perfect thickness. For that smooth feel, blending is key. I prefer an immersion blender for ease. It’s quick and you can blend right in the pot. If you use a regular blender, be careful. Always blend in batches to avoid spills. Blend until no chunks remain. Adding spices and herbs can take your soup to the next level. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors. Experiment to find what you love best. When it comes to cheese, you can switch it up for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mild cheddar is creamier. For a fun twist, try adding a bit of Gruyère or pepper jack cheese. This will give your soup a unique kick. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can make this soup vegan by swapping out some ingredients. Use non-dairy cream instead of heavy cream. Cashew cream or coconut cream works well. For cheese, choose a vegan cheese that melts nicely. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic real cheese. This change keeps the soup creamy while being plant-based. You can boost the nutrition of your soup by adding more veggies. Try adding carrots, spinach, or peas for extra color and vitamins. Grains like quinoa or brown rice add fiber and protein. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked lentils or chickpeas. These add-ins make the soup heartier and more filling. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration guidelines: Store the soup in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools before sealing. This helps maintain its texture and flavor. - Freezing for later use: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container or bags. Leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your soup again, reheating it properly is key. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. Heat until warm, but don’t boil to keep the cream from separating. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This method works well if you're in a hurry. Following these steps helps keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup delicious and smooth. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for more tips! You can make your soup thicker with easy options. One great method is a cornstarch slurry. To do this, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into your soup while it simmers. It will help achieve a rich texture. You can also use less broth or add more cheese. Each option makes the soup heartier. Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Cook the soup, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Just remember to leave some room in the container for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This soup pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A grilled cheese sandwich is another classic choice. You might also enjoy it with some roasted vegetables or a light pasta. These options make for a complete meal and elevate your dining experience. For more delicious ideas, check the Full Recipe. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese. I shared tips on selecting quality items to enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and blending. Plus, we explored variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, the right ingredients and techniques create a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with this comforting soup!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6809dc08-79d7-460e-8406-9c06eb05ac01-250x250.webp)
