Go Back
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil This creamy soup starts with fresh broccoli, onion, and garlic. These veggies give the soup a bright flavor. Broccoli florets add a nice crunch and color. Diced onion brings sweetness, while minced garlic adds warmth. Next, we have the dairy products. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully. It gives the soup a rich, cheesy taste. Whole milk and heavy cream make the soup extra smooth and creamy. They help balance the flavors and create a lovely texture. For seasonings, we use vegetable broth as the soup base. It keeps the soup light and healthy. All-purpose flour thickens the soup. Dijon mustard adds a hint of tang. Nutmeg, salt, and pepper round out the flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup delicious and comforting. Sautéing onions and garlic Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. Adding flour to the mixture Next, sprinkle the flour over the soft onion and garlic. Stir well to mix it all together. Cook this mixture for two to three minutes until it turns a light golden color. This helps thicken your soup later on. Pouring in vegetable broth Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cooking broccoli until tender Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Let it cook for about ten to twelve minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. This keeps the flavor fresh. Using an immersion blender Now it's time to blend the soup. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth. If you like, you can leave some chunks for a bit of texture. Incorporating dairy and cheese Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, dijon mustard, nutmeg, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook on low heat until the cheese melts fully. This makes the soup rich and creamy. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking for the best flavor! To achieve the right texture, you can choose between smooth and chunky. A smooth soup feels creamy and silky. If you prefer some bite, leave it chunky. To do this, simply blend half the soup and mix it back in. This gives you a great mix of creaminess and texture. Adding spices and herbs boosts the flavor. Consider using garlic powder, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also swap out cheddar for other cheeses. Gruyère or Monterey Jack melt well and add unique tastes. For garnishes, croutons work wonders. They add crunch and soak up the soup’s flavor. You can also pair this soup with a crusty baguette or a fresh salad. These sides make your meal feel complete and satisfying. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies in this soup. Try adding carrots, cauliflower, or spinach. Each option brings a fresh taste. You can also mix in peas for sweetness. These swaps keep the soup fun and new. If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Almond milk is another great option that keeps it creamy. These changes let everyone enjoy this dish. Add spices to give the soup a global flair. A pinch of curry or cumin can change the flavor. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Each spice brings a new twist to the classic recipe. Different cheeses can make this soup special. Swap sharp cheddar for gouda or pepper jack. Each cheese has its own flavor that can brighten the soup. Experiment with blue cheese or brie for a rich taste. In summer, make the soup lighter. Use less cream and add more broth. You can also serve it chilled for a refreshing twist. This version is great on warm days. In winter, add hearty ingredients. Try diced potatoes or white beans for extra protein. These additions make the soup filling and warm. They’re perfect for cold days when you need comfort. You can keep Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. For the best storage, use glass containers. They help keep flavors intact and are easy to clean. If you use plastic, make sure it is BPA-free. To freeze leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to thaw it quickly. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. Stir often to keep the cheese smooth. Check for signs of spoiled soup. If you see mold, throw it away. A sour smell is another red flag. If the soup has a strange color or texture, it’s best not to eat it. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli makes cooking easier. However, it can change the soup's texture. Fresh broccoli keeps a nice bite, while frozen may be softer. Adjust cooking time to about 8-10 minutes. This helps it heat through without getting too mushy. This soup is not gluten-free as it contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix it with a bit of cold water before adding to the soup. This will thicken it without gluten. You can serve this soup with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch. - Grilled cheese: A classic pairing that kids love. - Croutons: For extra texture on top. These options make a meal feel more complete and satisfying. This blog explored making Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with fresh ingredients, dairy, and key seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions, along with tips to enhance flavor and texture. You can customize the soup with different vegetables or dairy-free options. Remember to store it correctly to keep it fresh. With this guide, you can create a delicious soup that suits any taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and make it your own!

Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Savor the creamy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Delight with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar, this comforting soup is perfect for any season. In just 35 minutes, whip up a bowl of deliciousness that will warm your heart. Perfect for cozy nights or quick lunches, this soup is a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal game. #CheesyBroccoliCheddar #ComfortFood #HealthyRecipes #SoupRecipes

Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Croutons for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

      Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.

        Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Add in the chopped broccoli and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

            Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until smooth (or leave it chunky for more texture if desired).

              Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, dijon mustard, nutmeg, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

                Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

                  Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6