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To make a tasty Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you need fresh ingredients. These fresh items help create a rich flavor and a lovely texture. You will need: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated Next, gather some pantry staples. These are often found at home and add depth to your soup. Here’s what you need: - 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth) For a fun finishing touch, consider adding garnishes. They add flavor and texture to your soup. You can use: - Croutons or toasted bread for garnish (optional) This combination of fresh and pantry ingredients creates a creamy delight. You can find the Full Recipe in the article to guide you through the steps. Enjoy crafting this easy, delicious soup! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it looks clear. This makes the soup taste great. Now, add the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute. You want it fragrant, but not brown. Next, add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well. Turn up the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The broccoli should be tender and easy to pierce with a fork. After the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a regular blender. Blend it until smooth. This step gives the soup its creamy texture. Now, return the pureed soup to low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Heat until warm, but avoid boiling. Gradually mix in the freshly grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until it melts fully. This creates a rich flavor and velvety texture. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle in some smoked paprika. Ladle the warm soup into bowls. For a fun touch, top with croutons or toasted bread. This adds a nice crunch. Enjoy your Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a simple and creamy dish! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get a smooth and creamy soup, start with fresh broccoli florets. Cut them into small, even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. When blending, use an immersion blender. It makes the soup creamy without transferring it to another container. If you want extra creaminess, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk after blending. Seasoning makes a big difference in the taste. Use salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out the flavors. I like to add smoked paprika for a warm, smoky taste. You can also try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for some heat. Taste the soup often. Adjust the seasonings until it tastes just right for you. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Stir well to bring back the creamy texture. For the best results, always reheat gently and avoid boiling. {{image_4}} If you want to make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free broth. Most vegetable broths are gluten-free, but always check the label. Avoid any flour or gluten-based thickeners. The heavy cream and cheese will still give you a rich texture. For a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy taste without dairy. This keeps the flavors bold and satisfying. You can add more veggies to the soup to boost nutrients. Carrots, spinach, or cauliflower blend well with broccoli. Just chop them small and cook them with the broccoli. This adds color and extra flavor to your dish. Store your broccoli cheddar soup in a sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps keep the soup tasty and safe. You can freeze this soup, but it may change texture. Use a freezer-safe container. It lasts for about 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the soup smooth when you reheat it. Reheat your soup gently on the stove. Use low heat to avoid burning. Stir often to keep it creamy. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream. This brings back the smooth texture. Enjoy your soup warm! If you're looking for the full recipe, check out the previous section. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for about three days. Just let it cool before you cover it. When you’re ready to eat, heat it gently on the stove. Stir often to keep it smooth. Sharp cheddar cheese is the best choice for this soup. It gives a rich flavor that shines through. You can also mix in some mild cheddar for a softer taste. If you want a twist, try adding a little Gruyère or Monterey Jack. To thicken your soup, you can add a little more cheese. Another option is to blend in some cooked potato. If you like, mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just combine cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir it into the hot soup. Yes, frozen broccoli works great in this soup. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing. It may take a bit longer to cook, but it will taste good. This option is perfect for busy days when fresh broccoli is not on hand. This soup pairs well with several side dishes. Crusty bread or a fresh salad makes a nice match. You could also serve it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich. For a bit of crunch, top it with croutons or toasted bread. This article covered how to make Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup using fresh ingredients and pantry staples. We detailed each step, from cooking the broccoli to blending and adding cheese. You learned tips for a creamy texture and storage advice for leftovers. We also discussed tasty variations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Remember, this soup is simple and full of flavor. Try different ingredients and enjoy this comforting dish in your home.

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Bliss with this easy recipe that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Loaded with vibrant broccoli and rich cheddar flavor, this comforting soup is simple to make in just 30 minutes. Perfect for cozy nights, it features a smooth blend and optional garnishes to elevate your experience. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)

Croutons or toasted bread for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened. Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

    Cook the Broccoli: Stir the broccoli florets into the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a steady boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.

      Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a silky smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, pour the soup in batches into a standard blender, taking care to allow steam to escape and blending until smooth.

        Add Cream: Return the pureed soup to low heat. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until well combined. Allow the mixture to heat through—be careful not to let it come to a boil.

          Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously. Ensure each addition melts completely and blends seamlessly into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture.

            Season to Perfection: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if desired) to enhance the flavors.

              Serve and Garnish: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with croutons or chunks of toasted bread for added texture, if you like. Enjoy!

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4