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Here are the ingredients you need for the creamy broccoli cheddar soup. Gather them before you start cooking. - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Croutons for topping Each ingredient plays a key role. The onion and garlic bring great flavor. Fresh broccoli gives the soup a nice texture. The vegetable broth forms the base. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Sharp cheddar adds a tasty finish. Dijon mustard and paprika give it a slight kick. Don't forget salt and pepper for extra taste. If you want, add croutons on top for a fun crunch. Make sure your ingredients are fresh. Fresh broccoli makes a big difference. Good cheese also helps the soup taste amazing. Now that you have everything, you are ready to cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} Step 1: Sauté the onion Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one chopped medium onion. Stir and cook until the onion turns soft and clear, which takes about five minutes. This step builds a great flavor base for the soup. Step 2: Add garlic Next, add two minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir it in and let it cook for one more minute. You want the garlic to smell nice, but don’t let it burn. Step 3: Cook broccoli and broth Now, it's time for the broccoli. Add four cups of fresh broccoli florets and four cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a boil. Once it boils, cover the pot and let it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender when done. Step 4: Purée the soup After the broccoli is tender, take an immersion blender and blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, pour the soup into a blender in small batches. Just be careful with the hot soup! Step 5: Incorporate cream and seasonings Return the blended soup to medium heat. Pour in one cup of heavy cream, and add one teaspoon of Dijon mustard and one teaspoon of paprika. Stir it well to mix all the flavors together. Step 6: Melt in the cheddar Now for the best part! Gradually add two cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Stir it in until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. This makes the soup rich and tasty. Step 7: Season to taste Finally, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as you like. This step lets you adjust the flavor to your preference. Now your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready to serve! To make your soup smooth, use an immersion blender. This tool allows you to blend the soup right in the pot. It saves time and mess. If you don't have one, transfer small batches to a blender. Just be careful, as hot soup can splash. For the right consistency, start with less cream. Add it slowly until you reach your desired creaminess. If the soup feels too thick, add a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. You can spice up your soup with different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or some crushed red pepper for heat. Both enhance the rich flavors. When it comes to cheese, sharp cheddar shines bright. You could also mix in some Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety. These cheeses melt well and add depth to the soup's flavor. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets not only taste better but also retain more nutrients. Look for vibrant green color and firm texture when selecting your broccoli. Blend for Creaminess: Using an immersion blender allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot, making it easier and minimizing cleanup. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches. Cheese Selection: Opt for a sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust flavor. You can also mix in a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack for added depth. Customize Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding crispy bacon bits, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra gourmet touch. {{image_2}} You can make this soup lighter by using low-fat dairy. Substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based milk. This change keeps the soup creamy but cuts down on fat. Adding extra veggies is another great option. Spinach, carrots, or even zucchini can boost the nutrients. Simply chop them up and throw them in with the broccoli. They'll cook down and blend well with the soup. If you need a gluten-free version, ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Most brands are, but it’s always good to check the label. For a vegan option, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a vegan cheese that melts well for that cheesy flavor. You can also skip the cheese altogether and enhance the taste with nutritional yeast. To keep your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. The soup can stay good for about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave a little space at the top, as the soup may expand when it freezes. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, there are a few good methods to heat it. You can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If you prefer the microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly. To keep the creaminess intact while reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or milk. This helps the soup stay smooth and rich. Avoid boiling the soup, as high heat can separate the cream. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. When you are ready to eat, heat it gently on the stove. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing. How do I fix a soup that’s too thick? If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water. Stir it in slowly until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add more cream for a richer taste. Just be careful not to dilute the flavor too much. What can I serve with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich. For a fun twist, add some croutons on top for crunch. Caloric content and serving size One serving of this soup has about 400 calories. This gives you a nice and filling meal. Each batch serves four people. If you are sharing, you can easily make enough for everyone. Health benefits of broccoli and cheese Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins. It has vitamin C and fiber, which are great for your health. Cheese adds calcium and protein, making this soup a balanced option. Together, they create a tasty and nutritious dish that warms you up. This blog post shows how to make a delicious Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned variations for healthier options and how to store and reheat leftovers. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only tasty but packed with nutrients. Now, you can enjoy this cozy dish any time. Experiment with flavors and make it your own. You’ll love sharing this recipe with family and friends. Your kitchen will soon smell wonderful!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Delight

A rich and creamy soup featuring fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional croutons for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the broccoli florets and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  • Return the soup to medium heat and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Mix well.
  • Gradually fold in the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.

Notes

Garnish with croutons for added texture.
Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, soup