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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded The base of this soup is simple but full of flavor. Fresh broccoli florets bring a bright, green taste. Onions and garlic add sweetness and depth. For the liquid, I use vegetable broth, which is light yet rich. The heavy cream or coconut milk gives that smooth texture. Finally, sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold flavor that makes every spoonful delightful. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Croutons for garnish These optional ingredients can take your soup up a notch. Olive oil helps sauté the onion and garlic, adding a nice richness. Paprika can add a hint of warmth and color. Salt and pepper are crucial for balancing the flavors. Croutons on top bring a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy soup. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Bliss! Each ingredient plays a role in creating this comforting dish that warms the heart. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until the onion turns soft and clear. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, toss in 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes. This helps the broccoli soak up those tasty flavors. Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender at this point. Now, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender to mix the soup until it is smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for richness. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese while mixing it in. This step makes the soup cheesy and delicious. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook on low for 5 more minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot and consider adding croutons on top for an extra crunch. For a complete guide, refer to the Full Recipe. To get that rich, creamy texture, blending is key. Use an immersion blender for smooth results. If you use a regular blender, do so in small batches. Always let the soup cool a bit before blending. This way, you avoid hot splashes. Choosing the right cheese matters too. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor. For creaminess, mix some mild cheese with it. You can try gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist. Grate your cheese for easier melting. Want to boost the flavor? Fresh herbs can do wonders! Add thyme or parsley while cooking. A sprinkle of nutmeg gives warmth too. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. When serving, think outside the bowl. Pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream adds richness. Croutons also give a nice crunch. You can make this soup ahead of time. Just follow the steps, but stop before adding cheese. Cool the soup and store it in the fridge. It lasts up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently. Use a saucepan over low heat and stir often. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. Then stir in the cheese until it melts for that creamy goodness. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Bliss 🥦. {{image_2}} You can make this soup lighter and healthier. Try using low-fat dairy instead of heavy cream. This gives you a creamy texture without the extra calories. You can also substitute some vegetables. For example, spinach or cauliflower can add more nutrition while changing the flavor a bit. Cheddar is great, but don’t be afraid to try other cheeses. Gouda or Gruyère can bring a new taste to your soup. If you want a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese. Many brands melt well and taste good. Experimenting with different cheese varieties can help you find your favorite flavor. If you want to make your soup heartier, think about adding protein. Shredded chicken or diced tofu can enhance the dish. You can also incorporate grains like quinoa or rice for added texture. These ingredients make the soup more filling and nutritious. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Bliss 🥦! To keep your Broccoli Cheddar Soup fresh, store it properly. First, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air. - Refrigeration guidelines: Store the soup in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the soup creamy. - Freezing for longer storage: If you want to save it for later, freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is key. - Best methods to reheat without losing quality: The best way to reheat is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. If it seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it halfway for even heating. How long does your soup last? - How long the soup lasts in the fridge or freezer: In the fridge, your Broccoli Cheddar Soup lasts for about three days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label your container with the date to keep track. Enjoy your creamy comfort in every bowl! To make broccoli cheddar soup from scratch, follow these basic steps: 1. Sauté the Base: Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft. 2. Cook Broccoli: Add fresh broccoli florets and sauté for a few minutes. This step adds flavor. 3. Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then let it simmer until the broccoli is tender. 4. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. You can also transfer it to a regular blender. 5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. 6. Season: Finally, season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot! This soup is a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any day. Yes, you can freeze broccoli cheddar soup! Here are some tips for freezing and reheating: - Cool Before Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. - Portion It Out: Freeze in small portions for easy reheating. - Label Containers: Write the date on each container. This helps you keep track. - Reheat Gently: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat slowly on the stove, stirring to keep it smooth. Freezing may change the texture slightly, but the taste stays great! Broccoli cheddar soup pairs well with several tasty sides: - Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping. - Salads: A light green salad adds freshness. - Sandwiches: Grilled cheese or turkey sandwiches make a hearty meal. - Croutons: Top your soup with crunchy croutons for added texture. These options enhance the whole meal experience. For the complete recipe, check out Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Bliss 🥦. Broccoli Cheddar Soup is easy and fun to make. We discussed key ingredients like broccoli, onion, and sharp cheddar. You learned how to sauté, blend, and season your soup. Plus, we covered tips for creaminess and flavor boosts, along with storage techniques. In the end, this soup is a tasty dish. Enjoy variations that suit your taste and diet. With this guide, you can make your perfect bowl anytime. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheddar Broccoli Bliss! This delightful soup combines fresh broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and spices for a comfort food experience like no other. Perfect for cozy nights, learn how easy it is to whip up this warm bowl of happiness in just 35 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Croutons for garnish

Instructions
 

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

    Add the broccoli florets and sauté for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

      Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

        Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy (or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend).

          Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk.

            Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring, allowing it to melt into the soup completely.

              Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook on low for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

                Serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired for an added crunch.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4