Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

$For this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli gives the soup a bright green color and rich flavor. Choose florets that are firm and vibrant. They should not have yellow spots. If you want to save time, you can buy pre-cut florets. You will also need 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. The onion adds sweetness and depth. The garlic brings a warm, savory note. Together, they form the base of our soup. Sauté them in butter to unlock their flavors. This step makes the soup smell amazing! The creamy texture comes from 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. The heavy cream adds richness. The cheese gives it that classic cheesy flavor. Use sharp cheddar for a more intense taste. Also, don't forget the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It adds a nice richness to the soup. You will also need salt and black pepper to taste. These ingredients help enhance all the flavors in the soup. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, onion, and garlic. Start by melting the butter in a big pot over medium heat. Once it melts, add the diced onion. Cook the onion for about five minutes. You want it to soften and become clear. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Stir it well. The garlic should smell amazing. Next, it's time for the broccoli. Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to cover the broccoli. Turn the heat up to bring the liquid to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about ten minutes. The broccoli should be tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Now, carefully take the pot off the heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it to blend the soup right in the pot. If not, pour the soup into a regular blender in batches. Be careful with the hot soup! Once blended, return it to the pot. Turn the heat back to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Finally, add salt and black pepper to taste. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl topped with crunchy croutons! To get a smooth and creamy soup, you need to blend it well. Use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you don’t have one, pour the soup into a regular blender. Blend in small batches to avoid spills. Make sure to blend until there are no chunks left. If the soup feels too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth or cream. This will help you reach that velvety texture. Salt and pepper are key to making flavors pop. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adding Dijon mustard gives the soup a nice tang. You can also try a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. If you want a spicy kick, add a little red pepper flakes. These simple adjustments make a big difference. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. You can also microwave it in a bowl, but cover it to avoid splatters. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar soup warm again! Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide the best flavor and texture for your soup. Look for bright green florets and avoid any yellowing or wilting. Cheese Selection: Opt for a high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative. This can help reduce calories while still keeping the soup creamy. Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a subtle depth of flavor. These spices can elevate your soup and make it even more delightful. {{image_4}} This soup is already vegetarian, but you can add more veggies. Try carrots or kale for extra color. You can also swap the heavy cream for cashew cream. This change keeps it rich and creamy while adding a nutty flavor. Good news! This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth does not contain gluten. Always check the labels on any broth you buy. You can also use gluten-free croutons for a tasty topping. You can make this soup your own with fun add-ins. Try adding cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes. For toppings, croutons add a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten the dish. Enjoy making this soup unique to your taste! This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is not only tasty but also filling. Each serving has about 400 calories. The main sources of calories come from cheese and cream. These ingredients add richness but also boost the calorie count. The soup offers a satisfying meal, especially in colder months. Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins. It contains vitamins C and K, which help keep your body strong. Eating broccoli can boost your immune system and support bone health. It also has fiber, which aids digestion. This soup lets you enjoy broccoli’s benefits in a comforting way. The cheese and cream in this soup give it a creamy texture. Sharp cheddar cheese adds flavor and calcium. Heavy cream adds richness and makes the soup smooth. However, these ingredients also increase fat content. Enjoy this soup in moderation for a balanced diet. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to find. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly. Just add it to the pot like fresh broccoli. The taste may be slightly different, but it will still be good. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about three days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Some great side dishes include simple salads, crusty bread, or grilled cheese sandwiches. You can also serve it with crackers or breadsticks. These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. Enjoy pairing them with this creamy broccoli cheddar soup! This blog covered how to make a delicious broccoli soup. We looked at key ingredients like fresh broccoli, onions, and dairy, which build the base. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect consistency, and variations like vegetarian options. The nutritional facts highlight broccoli's health benefits. In the end, you can enjoy this soup any way you like. Remember, cooking is about creativity and personal taste!$

A rich and creamy soup made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
to taste Salt and black pepper
for topping Croutons

Instructions

In a spacious pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic releases its aroma.
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot, then pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the broccoli is well covered. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender, about 10 minutes.
After the broccoli is cooked, carefully remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If using a regular blender, ladle the soup into the blender in batches while being cautious of the hot liquid, and then return it to the pot.
Place the blended soup back on medium heat, and gently stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Continuously mix until the cheese fully melts and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to enhance the flavors.
Serve the creamy broccoli cheddar bliss hot, garnished with croutons for an enjoyable crunch and added texture.

Notes

For a thicker soup, blend longer or add more cheese.

Keyword broccoli, cheddar, creamy, soup, vegetarian