Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe – Cozy Comfort Food

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Picture this: creamy, velvety goodness, bursting with vibrant green broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, all mingling together in perfect harmony. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and drawing everyone to the table like moths to a flame. Yep, that’s right; broccoli cheddar soup is not just food; it’s an experience, one that warms the heart and fills the belly.

I still remember the first time I made this delightful dish for my family. We were gathered around the dining table on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and as I ladled this luscious soup into bowls, their eyes lit up with anticipation. Little did I know that this would become our go-to comfort food for every cold day, holiday gathering, or simply when we needed a hug in a bowl. So grab your spoon and get ready for some serious flavor excitement!

I once served this soup at a family gathering, and let me tell you, the compliments flowed like the soup itself.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Broccoli: Look for crisp florets with deep green color; they ensure optimal flavor and nutrition.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose high-quality cheese for a rich, robust flavor that melts beautifully.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; use yellow onions for depth or white for lighter flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic warmth; avoid pre-minced garlic for better taste.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep flavors balanced while controlling salt content.

• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess; substitute half-and-half if you want less richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate flavors; adjust according to your preference.

• Olive Oil or Butter: Use olive oil for a healthier option or butter for classic richness in sautéing.

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

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Prepare yourself because we’re diving into the world of creamy bliss! Let’s break down this process step by step.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Add Garlic and Broccoli: Toss in minced garlic alongside chopped broccoli florets. Sauté until the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp, roughly 3-4 minutes. This is when the magic starts happening!

Pour in Vegetable Broth: Carefully pour in vegetable broth until it covers the vegetables completely—about 4 cups should do nicely. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.

Simmer and Blend: Lower heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until all veggies are tender. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender until smooth.

Add Cream and Cheese: Return blended mixture to medium heat; stir in heavy cream followed by shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated—this is where it gets extra dreamy!

Seasoning Time!: Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to sprinkle in some smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous!

And voila! Your broccoli cheddar soup is ready to be devoured. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

You can now sit back and bask in the glory of your culinary achievement while enjoying every creamy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli and broth to simmer. Blend until smooth, then stir in cheese for a rich finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cheddar with Gouda or add a hint of nutmeg for depth. You can also toss in extra veggies like carrots or potatoes for added nutrition!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

I remember the first time I made this soup; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how comforting it was. Their smiles warmed my heart more than any bowl could!

FAQ

Can I make broccoli cheddar soup vegan?

Yes, use plant-based cheese and almond milk for a delightful vegan option.

What can I serve with broccoli cheddar soup?

Crusty bread or a light salad pairs perfectly with this creamy soup.

How can I thicken my broccoli cheddar soup?

Blend additional cooked broccoli or add cornstarch mixed with water to achieve desired thickness.

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Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that’s perfect for chilly days. This rich and velvety soup combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a delightful experience that warms the heart and soul. Easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, promising to leave everyone craving more. Grab your spoon and savor every flavorful bite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Add minced garlic and chopped broccoli; sauté until broccoli is bright green (3–4 minutes).
3. Pour in vegetable broth, covering the vegetables completely. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer in batches to a blender).
5. Return blended mixture to medium heat; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper as desired, then serve hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: For extra creaminess, shred the cheese instead of cubing it. You can swap cheddar for Gouda or add spices like nutmeg for depth. For added nutrition, consider mixing in other veggies like carrots or potatoes.