![- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - Croutons and chopped chives for garnish Cheddar broccoli soup is a warm hug in a bowl. It combines fresh broccoli with rich cheese. You will love how quick and easy it is to make. Start with fresh broccoli florets; they bring a sweet, earthy flavor. The diced onion and minced garlic give depth and warmth. Vegetable broth adds flavor without being too heavy. Next, heavy cream gives the soup its creamy texture. Sharp cheddar cheese makes it rich and cheesy. The salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth, but it’s optional. Finally, croutons and chives make delightful toppings. They add crunch and color to your soup. This cheddar broccoli soup recipe is perfect for any day. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cozy meal. For the full recipe, check out my detailed guide to making this comforting dish. - Sautéing the onions and garlic Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes. Stir until the onion becomes soft and clear. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for just 1 more minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. - Adding broccoli and cooking Now, toss in 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Stir and let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them slightly tender and coated in oil. This step adds flavor and helps the broccoli cook evenly. - Pouring in vegetable broth Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and increase the heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check the broccoli; it should be tender but still bright green. - Pureeing for desired texture If you enjoy a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. Blend until you reach your preferred texture. If you like some chunks, blend only half the soup and leave some broccoli florets whole. - Returning to heat with cream Lower the heat to low and return the pot to the stove. Gradually stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Warm the soup without letting it boil. This step makes the soup rich and creamy. - Adding cheese and seasonings Slowly mix in 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted. Then, season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and an optional 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - Serving suggestions Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes. Ladle it into bowls and top with crispy croutons and chopped chives. This adds crunch and color. Enjoy your comforting bowl of cheddar broccoli soup! For the complete details, you can check the [Full Recipe]. - How to get the best flavor: Start with fresh ingredients. Fresh broccoli and onions bring out rich flavors. Sauté the onions until they are soft. This step builds a tasty base for your soup. Don't rush this part; it makes a big difference. - Techniques for creamy texture: Use heavy cream for the richest texture. Gradually stir it in after blending. This keeps the soup creamy without curdling. For a smoother blend, use an immersion blender. It lets you control the texture better. - Overcooking ingredients: Watch the cooking time for broccoli. If you overcook it, the color fades and the flavor weakens. Cook just until tender, usually about 10-12 minutes. - Not seasoning adequately: Always taste your soup before serving. Add salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Don't forget the optional nutmeg; it adds warmth. - Essential pots and blenders: A large pot works best for cooking your soup. An immersion blender is great for pureeing it. If you don't have one, a regular blender works too, but be careful with hot liquids. - Measuring cups and spoons: Measure your ingredients accurately. This ensures the right balance of flavors in your soup. Use a good set of measuring spoons for precise seasoning. Feel free to check the Full Recipe for detailed steps and ingredients! {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for a fun twist. Try using gouda or mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and add different flavors. You can also add proteins like cooked chicken or bacon. They make the soup heartier. If you prefer veggies, try carrots or peas. They blend in nicely and boost nutrition. To make this soup vegan, swap heavy cream with plant-based milk. Almond, coconut, or oat milk work well. For cheese, look for vegan options that melt. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These changes keep it creamy while catering to different diets. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. They bring in a fresh taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens the soup's overall flavor. It adds a zing that contrasts with the creamy base. Try these simple additions to elevate your cheddar broccoli soup. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup. To keep your cheddar broccoli soup fresh, use an airtight container. Glass containers work great. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they seal well. Place the soup in the fridge after it cools down. It’s best to store it within two hours of cooking. This keeps bacteria from growing. You can freeze cheddar broccoli soup for later. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when it freezes. To thaw, move the soup to the fridge overnight. You can also warm it up in a pot over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. How long does it last in the fridge? The soup stays good for about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or smell. If it smells sour or has mold, throw it away. Enjoy your cheddar broccoli soup fresh or frozen, and savor every bite! For the full recipe, check out the full recipe section! You can add heat to your cheddar broccoli soup in a few ways. Try these ideas: - Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. - Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. - Stir in some hot sauce for extra kick. - Experiment with a bit of cayenne pepper. Each option brings a different level of spice. Adjust to fit your taste! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Here are some pros and cons: - Pros: Frozen broccoli is convenient and saves time. It is often pre-cut and blanched. - Cons: Frozen broccoli may lose some texture when cooked. It may also have a slightly different flavor. If using frozen, add it to the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic. Serve cheddar broccoli soup with these tasty ideas: - Pair it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. - Top with crispy croutons for crunch. - Add chopped chives or green onions for a fresh touch. These sides enhance the experience and make the meal more filling. Cheddar broccoli soup can be healthy with a few considerations: - Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals. - Cheese adds protein but can also increase calories and fat. - Using low-fat cream or broth can make it lighter. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet for nutrition and comfort. Making cheddar broccoli soup takes about 30 minutes total: - Prep time: 10 minutes for chopping veggies. - Cook time: 20 minutes for sautéing and simmering. This quick recipe fits well into a busy day. Yes, you can make cheddar broccoli soup ahead of time. Here’s how: - Prepare the soup and let it cool completely. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring well before serving. This article covered everything you need to make creamy cheddar broccoli soup. We explored the key ingredients, from fresh broccoli to sharp cheddar. You learned step-by-step instructions to perfect the soup, along with valuable tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes. The variations section showed how to customize your dish for different tastes. Lastly, we discussed storage options to ensure your soup stays fresh. You now have the tools to make a delicious soup that suits your style and taste. Enjoy cooking and savor every bowl!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d1c50660-6944-4c4d-af55-112c8eb5cff8-250x250.webp)
- Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a creamy base, this delicious recipe is both easy and satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you can create a warm bowl that your family will love. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy meal, this soup is sure to be a hit. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!