![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) - Additional grated cheddar cheese When making creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need fresh, good-quality ingredients. I love using vibrant broccoli florets. They add color and nutrients. The onion and garlic create a solid base, giving the soup a great aroma. The potato helps thicken the soup and adds creaminess without too much heavy cream. For the broth, I prefer vegetable broth. It enhances the flavor without overpowering. Heavy cream is a must for richness. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a deep flavor that makes each bite special. Don't forget salt and pepper for taste. Smoked paprika adds a unique twist. For garnishes, fresh chives give a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also add more grated cheddar on top for an extra cheesy touch. If you want, check out the Full Recipe for all details. Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of soup! - Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. - Add diced potato and broccoli florets. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. This step brings out the best flavors. Next, add the diced potato and fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything well. This mix creates a tasty base for your soup. - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. - Blend the soup for desired creaminess. Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth. Pour it in and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the broccoli and potato to be fork-tender. After the cooking time, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Blend until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like some chunks, blend only half of the soup. This adds texture and fun to each bite. - Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. - Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Raise the heat back to medium. Now, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer again. This step makes the soup rich and velvety. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir as you go until the cheese melts and blends smoothly. Finally, season your soup with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Adjust as needed for your perfect flavor. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your soup smooth and rich, you can use a blender. An immersion blender works great for this. Just blend until you reach your desired texture. If you want some chunks, blend only half the soup. When it comes to cream and cheese, feel free to adjust. For a richer taste, add more cheese or cream. Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Fresh herbs add bright flavors to your soup. Try using fresh thyme or parsley. They work well with broccoli and cheese. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work too. Just use less since dried herbs are stronger. You might also want to add spices. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne can boost the taste. Serving your soup well makes it more appealing. Pour it into bowls and top with more cheese and chives. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread. A slice of bread is perfect for dipping. It makes your meal feel complete and cozy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this soup to meet different dietary needs. For gluten-free adjustments, use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free. This keeps your soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities. If you're looking for vegan alternatives, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, use a vegan cheese that melts well. This way, you can enjoy a creamy texture without dairy. Want to add more flavor? Try adding proteins like cooked chicken or crispy bacon. Just chop them up and stir them in at the end. This adds a nice heartiness to the soup. You can also mix in other vegetables. Carrots, spinach, or even peas work great. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the cooking process. This boosts nutrition and adds color. To change the taste, experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack gives a mild creaminess. You can mix these cheeses with cheddar for a richer taste. Don’t forget spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg can warm up the soup, while cayenne gives it a nice kick. Start small and add more to suit your taste. You can really make this soup your own with these variations. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After making this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool first before you seal it up. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when it freezes. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. This helps keep the soup creamy. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If you find it too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. After reheating, consider adding extra toppings like more cheese or chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful soup! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Frozen broccoli is picked at its peak. This means it often has great flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup. This helps it cook evenly. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These keep the soup rich while reducing calories. To thicken your soup, you can add more potato. Just blend it until smooth. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it in. This thickens without changing the taste. For a heartier texture, add some more cheese. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this post, we covered how to make a creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You can enhance the flavor with spices and adjust for dietary needs. Don't forget to store your soup properly and try out the variations. Enjoy your kitchen fun, and remember, this soup is great for sharing. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. So give it a try, and you’ll see it become a favorite!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/73a7d25a-6f42-4b54-8564-e7ade614efe4-768x768.webp)
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe for creamy broccoli cheddar soup. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a warm bowl of comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this soup promises to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
– 1 medium onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Dairy and Seasoning
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
– Additional grated cheddar cheese
When making creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need fresh, good-quality ingredients. I love using vibrant broccoli florets. They add color and nutrients. The onion and garlic create a solid base, giving the soup a great aroma. The potato helps thicken the soup and adds creaminess without too much heavy cream.
For the broth, I prefer vegetable broth. It enhances the flavor without overpowering. Heavy cream is a must for richness. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a deep flavor that makes each bite special. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. Smoked paprika adds a unique twist.
For garnishes, fresh chives give a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also add more grated cheddar on top for an extra cheesy touch. If you want, check out the Full Recipe for all details. Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil.
– Add diced potato and broccoli florets.
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. This step brings out the best flavors.
Next, add the diced potato and fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything well. This mix creates a tasty base for your soup.
Cooking Process
– Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
– Blend the soup for desired creaminess.
Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth. Pour it in and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the broccoli and potato to be fork-tender.
After the cooking time, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Blend until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like some chunks, blend only half of the soup. This adds texture and fun to each bite.
Final Touches
– Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
– Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Raise the heat back to medium. Now, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer again. This step makes the soup rich and velvety.
Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir as you go until the cheese melts and blends smoothly. Finally, season your soup with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Adjust as needed for your perfect flavor.
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Making Your Soup Creamier
To make your soup smooth and rich, you can use a blender. An immersion blender works great for this. Just blend until you reach your desired texture. If you want some chunks, blend only half the soup. When it comes to cream and cheese, feel free to adjust. For a richer taste, add more cheese or cream. Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor.
Enhancing Flavor
Fresh herbs add bright flavors to your soup. Try using fresh thyme or parsley. They work well with broccoli and cheese. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work too. Just use less since dried herbs are stronger. You might also want to add spices. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne can boost the taste.
Presentation Tips
Serving your soup well makes it more appealing. Pour it into bowls and top with more cheese and chives. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread. A slice of bread is perfect for dipping. It makes your meal feel complete and cozy. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Variations
Dietary Substitutions
You can easily adapt this soup to meet different dietary needs. For gluten-free adjustments, use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free. This keeps your soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
If you’re looking for vegan alternatives, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, use a vegan cheese that melts well. This way, you can enjoy a creamy texture without dairy.
Additional Ingredients
Want to add more flavor? Try adding proteins like cooked chicken or crispy bacon. Just chop them up and stir them in at the end. This adds a nice heartiness to the soup.
You can also mix in other vegetables. Carrots, spinach, or even peas work great. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the cooking process. This boosts nutrition and adds color.
Flavor Variations
To change the taste, experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack gives a mild creaminess. You can mix these cheeses with cheddar for a richer taste.
Don’t forget spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg can warm up the soup, while cayenne gives it a nice kick. Start small and add more to suit your taste. You can really make this soup your own with these variations. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After making this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool first before you seal it up.
Freezing Recommendations
If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when it freezes. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw.
Tips on Reheating
When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. This helps keep the soup creamy. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If you find it too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. After reheating, consider adding extra toppings like more cheese or chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful soup!
FAQs
How long does Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup last in the fridge?
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Frozen broccoli is picked at its peak. This means it often has great flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup. This helps it cook evenly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the soup?
If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These keep the soup rich while reducing calories.
How to thicken my Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
To thicken your soup, you can add more potato. Just blend it until smooth. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it in. This thickens without changing the taste. For a heartier texture, add some more cheese.
For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
In this post, we covered how to make a creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You can enhance the flavor with spices and adjust for dietary needs. Don’t forget to store your soup properly and try out the variations. Enjoy your kitchen fun, and remember, this soup is great for sharing. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor. So give it a try, and you’ll see it become a favorite!
![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) - Additional grated cheddar cheese When making creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need fresh, good-quality ingredients. I love using vibrant broccoli florets. They add color and nutrients. The onion and garlic create a solid base, giving the soup a great aroma. The potato helps thicken the soup and adds creaminess without too much heavy cream. For the broth, I prefer vegetable broth. It enhances the flavor without overpowering. Heavy cream is a must for richness. The sharp cheddar cheese brings a deep flavor that makes each bite special. Don't forget salt and pepper for taste. Smoked paprika adds a unique twist. For garnishes, fresh chives give a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also add more grated cheddar on top for an extra cheesy touch. If you want, check out the Full Recipe for all details. Enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of soup! - Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. - Add diced potato and broccoli florets. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. This step brings out the best flavors. Next, add the diced potato and fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Stir everything well. This mix creates a tasty base for your soup. - Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. - Blend the soup for desired creaminess. Now it’s time to add the vegetable broth. Pour it in and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the broccoli and potato to be fork-tender. After the cooking time, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Blend until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. If you like some chunks, blend only half of the soup. This adds texture and fun to each bite. - Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. - Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Raise the heat back to medium. Now, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer again. This step makes the soup rich and velvety. Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir as you go until the cheese melts and blends smoothly. Finally, season your soup with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste. Adjust as needed for your perfect flavor. This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready to serve! For the full recipe, check the details above. To make your soup smooth and rich, you can use a blender. An immersion blender works great for this. Just blend until you reach your desired texture. If you want some chunks, blend only half the soup. When it comes to cream and cheese, feel free to adjust. For a richer taste, add more cheese or cream. Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. Fresh herbs add bright flavors to your soup. Try using fresh thyme or parsley. They work well with broccoli and cheese. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried ones can work too. Just use less since dried herbs are stronger. You might also want to add spices. A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cayenne can boost the taste. Serving your soup well makes it more appealing. Pour it into bowls and top with more cheese and chives. This adds color and freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread. A slice of bread is perfect for dipping. It makes your meal feel complete and cozy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this soup to meet different dietary needs. For gluten-free adjustments, use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free. This keeps your soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities. If you're looking for vegan alternatives, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. For cheese, use a vegan cheese that melts well. This way, you can enjoy a creamy texture without dairy. Want to add more flavor? Try adding proteins like cooked chicken or crispy bacon. Just chop them up and stir them in at the end. This adds a nice heartiness to the soup. You can also mix in other vegetables. Carrots, spinach, or even peas work great. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the cooking process. This boosts nutrition and adds color. To change the taste, experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while Monterey Jack gives a mild creaminess. You can mix these cheeses with cheddar for a richer taste. Don’t forget spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg can warm up the soup, while cayenne gives it a nice kick. Start small and add more to suit your taste. You can really make this soup your own with these variations. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After making this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. The soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool first before you seal it up. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when it freezes. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. This helps keep the soup creamy. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If you find it too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. After reheating, consider adding extra toppings like more cheese or chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful soup! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Frozen broccoli is picked at its peak. This means it often has great flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup. This helps it cook evenly. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These keep the soup rich while reducing calories. To thicken your soup, you can add more potato. Just blend it until smooth. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it in. This thickens without changing the taste. For a heartier texture, add some more cheese. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. In this post, we covered how to make a creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. You can enhance the flavor with spices and adjust for dietary needs. Don't forget to store your soup properly and try out the variations. Enjoy your kitchen fun, and remember, this soup is great for sharing. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. So give it a try, and you’ll see it become a favorite!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/73a7d25a-6f42-4b54-8564-e7ade614efe4-250x250.webp)
