Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe – Cozy & Delicious

Broccoli cheddar soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, wrapping you in creamy goodness with every spoonful. Imagine the luscious blend of tender broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese dancing together in a velvety broth that warms your soul.

Now, picture yourself enjoying this delightful dish on a rainy afternoon, curled up on the couch with your favorite blanket. Each bite brings back memories of cozy family dinners or evenings spent with friends, sharing laughter and stories over bowls of this comforting classic. This soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little pick-me-up after a long day. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will have you spooning seconds!

Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Broccoli: About 4 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets provide the main flavor and texture; look for firm, bright green pieces.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use around 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar for that irresistible cheesy quality; avoid pre-shredded cheese for better melting.

• Onion: One medium onion, finely chopped, adds depth to the soup’s flavor; yellow onions work great here.

• Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic will enhance the aroma and taste; fresh garlic gives the best results.

• Vegetable Broth: About 4 cups of vegetable broth acts as the soup base; opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.

• Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream adds richness and creaminess; half-and-half can be used as a lighter option.

• Butter: Two tablespoons of butter are necessary for sautéing vegetables and adding flavor to the soup.

• Salt and Pepper: Adjust these seasonings according to your taste preferences; fresh ground pepper elevates flavor significantly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, roughly another minute.

Step 2: Add Broccoli

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and stir everything together. Cook for about five more minutes so that those vibrant greens start softening up just a bit.

Step 3: Pour in Vegetable Broth

Pour in your vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat once boiling and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes until the broccoli is tender but still has some crunch.

Step 4: Blend It Up

Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring it to a regular blender), blend until smooth or leave some chunks if you prefer texture! Return blended mixture back to heat.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Slowly stir in heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into your luscious soup base.

Step 6: Season It Right

Taste your creation! Add salt and pepper as needed—don’t skip this step because seasoning truly brings out all those lovely flavors.

Transfer to bowls or serve alongside crusty bread for dipping! Enjoy your cozy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup while watching your favorite show or cuddling up with loved ones—because nothing says comfort quite like this tasty treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until fragrant. Then, add chopped broccoli and vegetable broth. Let it simmer before blending until smooth, and finally stir in the cheese for that heavenly creaminess.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli for cauliflower or add some diced carrots for extra sweetness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give your soup an unexpected kick, while a dollop of sour cream on top adds a delightful tang.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cheese.

Sometimes I whip up this broccoli cheddar soup when friends come over for game night; they rave about it every time! It’s like having a secret weapon in my cooking arsenal that always impresses them.

FAQs :

What is Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy and delicious dish that combines fresh broccoli with rich cheddar cheese. This comforting soup often includes a base of onions, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. Many recipes also add milk or cream to enhance the texture. It’s perfect as an appetizer or main dish and can be served alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

How can I make Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthier?

To make Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthier, consider using low-fat milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and add more vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition. Using whole grain bread instead of white bread for dipping can also improve the fiber content of your meal.

Can I freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Broccoli Cheddar Soup! To do so, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s best to freeze the soup without adding cheese to maintain its texture. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove. If needed, add more cheese while reheating for extra flavor.

What pairs well with Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crusty bread or garlic bread makes an excellent choice for dipping. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal. You might also enjoy pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combination that everyone loves.

Conclusion for Broccoli Cheddar Soup :

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that warms the heart. By incorporating healthier alternatives and additional vegetables, this dish can fit into various dietary preferences. Whether you serve it as a main course or alongside some fresh bread, it’s sure to please both family and friends alike. Enjoy making this comforting soup in your kitchen!

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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, delivering creamy richness and a delightful blend of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl, this easy-to-make soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for an inviting meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for another minute.
2. Add chopped broccoli and sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth (or leave some chunks if desired) using an immersion blender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider adding diced carrots or swapping some broccoli for cauliflower. - To thicken the soup further, blend longer or add more cheese during reheating. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.