Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Broccoli Cheddar Soup! There’s just something so cozy about curling up with a warm bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness. The velvety texture wraps around you like a soft blanket, and that rich cheddar flavor? Wow! It’s like a hug in a bowl! I whip this up on chilly days or whenever I need a little pick-me-up. Plus, it’s so simple to make! Trust me, once you have a taste, you’ll be dreaming of this soup long after the last spoonful is gone. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!
Ingredients List
To make this dreamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor! Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 4 cups broccoli florets – fresh is best for that vibrant taste and color!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – choose your favorite sharp or mild variety.
- 1 medium onion, chopped – this gives a lovely base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 4 cups vegetable broth – homemade or store-bought will do.
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter – to sauté the onions and garlic to perfection.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season it just right!
Gathering these ingredients is the first step to your delicious bowl of happiness. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delightful Broccoli Cheddar Soup! It’s super straightforward and honestly, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done. Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring a bowl of creamy bliss in no time!
Step 1 – Sautéing the Base
First things first, grab a large pot and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As it starts to bubble, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
Step 2 – Cooking the Broccoli
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Toss in those 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets along with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring everything to a rolling boil! Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Just keep an eye on it!
Step 3 – Blending and Finishing
Here comes the fun part! Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular blender—just let it cool a bit first! Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and delicious. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Here’s why it’s a must-make:
- Quick and easy: It comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously creamy: Every spoonful is packed with rich cheddar flavor and a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This soup is a hearty vegetarian option, so everyone can enjoy it without compromise.
- Comfort food classic: It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and puts a smile on your face.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or extra veggies for a personal touch!
Seriously, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in this comforting bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates, so your results may vary a bit depending on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Broccoli Cheddar Soup truly shine, always use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and vibrant color. Don’t be shy about adjusting the cheese—add more if you love that cheesy goodness! Also, if you want a thicker soup, simply blend a bit less. You got this!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (which I hope you do because it’s that good!), store your Broccoli Cheddar Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to maintain that creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it can change the soup’s consistency. Enjoy every last drop!
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I love serving it alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some buttery garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors perfectly. You could even top it with croutons for an extra crunch—yum!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Broccoli Cheddar Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this soup vegan? Absolutely! Just swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese and use coconut cream or a nut milk like cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You won’t miss the dairy, trust me!
How long does it last in the fridge? Your soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just make sure to reheat it gently!
Can I freeze the soup? Yes! It freezes well for about 2 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Enjoy your creamy goodness later!
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy soup made with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add broccoli and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best flavor.
- Adjust cheese quantity to your preference.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Soup