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To make a delicious creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will use: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) - Homemade or store-bought croutons (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a comforting soup. Fresh broccoli gives it color and nutrition. The sharp cheddar adds that rich, cheesy flavor we all love. Garlic and onion bring a depth of taste, while heavy cream keeps it smooth and rich. Use vegetable broth for a light base. You can add nutmeg for warmth and flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. If you want to elevate the soup, garnish it with crunchy croutons and fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch when serving. For the full recipe, you can find the details in the recipe section. 1. Start by melting unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. 3. Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Sauté for an extra 2 minutes to bring out their flavor. 4. Pour in vegetable broth and raise the heat until it boils. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This cooks the broccoli until it's tender and bright green. - For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender. Blend directly in the pot until creamy. - If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool a bit. Then, transfer it in batches to a countertop blender. Puree until smooth, then return it to the pot. 1. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix well and let the cheese melt over low heat for 3-5 minutes. 2. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if you like. Serve the soup hot, topped with crunchy croutons and fresh parsley. For the full recipe, check out the section above! To avoid overcooking the broccoli, keep an eye on the time. Cook it for about 10 to 12 minutes. When it turns bright green and is tender, it’s perfect. If you cook it too long, it will turn mushy and lose its flavor. For a smooth consistency, use an immersion blender. Blend until the soup is creamy and no lumps remain. If you don’t have one, let the soup cool a bit. Then, use a countertop blender in small batches. Always blend carefully to prevent splashes. For a taste boost, try adding some spices. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the soup. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice can brighten the taste too. If you want to add protein, shredded chicken or diced tofu works well. These options make the meal more filling. You can also stir in some cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch. For a fun garnish, use homemade croutons on top of the soup. They add a nice crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look more inviting. You can even drizzle a bit of cream for a fancy touch. Pair this soup with a simple salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. The fresh greens balance the creaminess. The sandwich adds a nice crunch, making it a perfect meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making creamy broccoli cheddar soup. {{image_4}} You can switch up the ingredients to suit your needs. For those avoiding dairy, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. These options still give you a creamy texture. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For cheeses, sharp cheddar is classic, but you can try gouda or pepper jack for a twist. Each cheese adds a unique flavor and texture to the soup. Adding extra vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers work well. Chop them small so they cook evenly. This adds color and makes the soup heartier. Herbs and spices can elevate your soup. Try thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors you love! If you want a hands-off approach, try a slow cooker. Just add all ingredients, set it to low for 6-8 hours, and let it cook. This method lets the flavors meld beautifully. An Instant Pot is another great option. Cook the soup on high for about 10 minutes. The pressure builds flavor quickly, and you’ll have soup ready in no time. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and safe. In the fridge, your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. Freezing creamy soups can be tricky, but it works well! First, let the soup cool fully. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. The soup can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Watch for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or changes in color. If you see mold, toss it out! To keep your soup fresh longer, always use clean utensils when serving. Portioning the soup before storing helps too. This way, you only take out what you need. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for tips on making this soup last longer. Making this soup takes about 30 minutes total. You spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking and blending the soup takes about 20 minutes. This quick time makes it easy for a busy night. Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you're ready to serve. This soup also tastes great the next day! I love serving this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair well, too. You could even add some crunchy croutons on top for extra texture. These sides make the meal feel more complete. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup has good nutrients. Broccoli is high in vitamins and fiber. You can make it healthier by using less cream or cheese. Try adding more veggies for extra nutrition. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal that is good for you! You now have a clear pathway to making Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We've covered all the key ingredients, the easy steps to prepare, and tips for enhancing flavor. You can even explore variations, like dairy-free options or different cooking methods. Store your soup safely to enjoy later. I hope this guide makes your cooking experience fun and rewarding. Dive into this recipe and savor your creation!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with this deliciously creamy broccoli cheddar soup that’s perfect for any day! Made with fresh ingredients and rich flavors, this recipe is easy to follow and irresistible. From sautéing onions and garlic to blending in sharp cheddar and heavy cream, you’ll find comfort in every bowl. Ready to indulge? Click through to discover this cozy recipe and warm your heart and home today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Homemade or store-bought croutons (for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

    Incorporate the freshly washed broccoli florets into the pot and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to lightly cook the broccoli and enhance its flavor.

      Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and vibrant in color.

        Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If you do not own an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly, then carefully transfer it in batches to a countertop blender, puree until smooth, and return it to the pot.

          Stir in the heavy cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly to combine, allowing the cheese to melt completely into the soup, stirring for about 3-5 minutes over low heat.

            Taste the soup and season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and ground nutmeg (if desired) until it reaches your preferred flavor balance.

              Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished generously with crunchy croutons and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4-6