Cheddar Broccoli Soup Creamy and Comforting Recipe

Looking for a dish that warms your soul? My Cheddar Broccoli Soup hits the spot! It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of fresh broccoli goodness. In this recipe, you’ll find simple steps to create a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any day. Plus, I’ve included tips for making it your own. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring some warmth to your kitchen!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 3 cups vegetable broth

– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

– Croutons for garnish

For this creamy and comforting Cheddar Broccoli Soup, fresh ingredients matter. I love using vibrant, fresh broccoli florets as they give the soup a bright green color. A medium onion adds depth. Garlic brings a lovely aroma. The vegetable broth gives a rich base. Sharp cheddar cheese creates that delicious cheesy flavor. Heavy cream adds creaminess. Olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, enhancing the taste. The salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg round out the flavors. Finally, croutons add a nice crunch when serving.

Recommended Equipment

– Large pot

– Immersion blender (or countertop blender)

– Cutting board and knife

Using the right tools makes cooking easier. A large pot is perfect for cooking all your ingredients together. An immersion blender helps blend the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, a countertop blender works too. A cutting board and knife are essential for chopping your veggies and garlic. These tools help you make cooking fun and simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

– Chop 1 medium onion and add it to the pot.

– Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear.

– Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them.

– Cook for another minute until the garlic smells great.

Cooking Procedure

– Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.

– Add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets to the pot.

– Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

– Optional: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for extra flavor.

– Let the soup cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is soft.

Blending and Finishing Touches

– Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth.

– If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.

– Return the smooth soup to the pot.

– Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

– Mix until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.

– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

For the full instructions, refer to the [Full Recipe].

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensure broccoli is tender before blending. This step makes the soup smooth and creamy. If your broccoli is not tender, you may have a chunky soup. Cook it longer if needed.

– Adjust seasoning to taste. Everyone loves different flavors. Taste your soup before serving and add more salt or pepper if it needs a kick.

Serving Suggestions

– Best served hot with croutons. The croutons add a fun crunch and hold up well in the soup.

– Pair with crusty bread or a salad. This combo makes a complete meal and adds freshness to your dish. Enjoy your Cheddar Broccoli Soup with these simple sides for a warm, comforting experience.

For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can make small changes to give your soup a fresh twist. First, you can swap vegetable broth for chicken broth. This change adds a deeper flavor and makes the soup richer. Try it if you like a heartier taste.

Another fun swap is to use different types of cheese. You might try gouda or pepper jack cheese. Each choice brings unique flavors. Mixing cheeses can make your soup even more interesting.

Dietary Modifications

If you need a dairy-free option, you can easily modify the recipe. Use plant-based cream and cheese instead of dairy. This switch keeps the soup creamy and tasty without the dairy.

Want to add some protein? You can include shredded chicken or beans. Both options make the soup more filling and nutritious. Plus, they add great texture. Enjoy experimenting with these fun variations!

Storage Info

How to Store

To keep your Cheddar Broccoli Soup fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Once cooled, seal the soup tightly. It can last in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, reheat it gently. You can do this on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If using the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to make sure it heats evenly. This will help keep the creamy texture intact and make sure that every bite is delicious.

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I freeze Cheddar Broccoli Soup?

Yes, you can freeze cheddar broccoli soup. Let it cool first. Pour it into airtight containers. This soup keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warm.

How to make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth. Check your cheese label too. Some cheeses may have gluten. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.

What can I use instead of broccoli?

If you don’t have broccoli, you can use cauliflower. It blends well and gives a nice texture. Spinach is another great option. Just add it near the end of cooking to keep it bright and fresh.

Nutritional Information

Caloric content and serving size details

One serving of cheddar broccoli soup contains about 350 calories. This depends on how much cheese and cream you use. Each recipe makes four servings, so it’s perfect for a family meal.

Additional health benefits of ingredients

Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K. It supports your immune system and helps with bone health. Cheddar cheese offers calcium and protein. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Together, they create a tasty dish that is good for you.

This blog post covered how to make a rich Cheddar Broccoli Soup. You saw the key ingredients like fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and garlic. I shared simple steps to prepare, cook, and blend the soup. Tips on serving and storing also helped enhance your dish. Remember, you can modify ingredients for different diets. Enjoy experimenting with flavors. Your soup will warm hearts and bellies alike. Each bowl is a step toward comfort and happiness. Happy cooking!

- Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Delight in the creamy goodness of Cheddar Bliss Broccoli Soup, a comforting recipe that's perfect for any day! With fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of smoked paprika, this soup is both rich and satisfying. It's easy to make in just 35 minutes, and the whole family will love it. Click through to discover how to whip up this delicious dish and warm your soul with every bowl!

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Ingredients

  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Croutons for garnish

Instructions

 

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the broccoli florets, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg.

Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches.

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and well incorporated.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve the soup hot, garnished with croutons for extra crunch and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4