Oh, let me tell you about my quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup! This creamy, comforting bowl of goodness has saved me more times than I can count on those hectic days when I just can’t even. You know those days, right? When you’re juggling a million things and just need something warm and delicious to wrap your hands around? This soup is like a hug in a bowl! It’s packed with vibrant broccoli and melted cheddar cheese that just sings to your taste buds. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes! Seriously, you can whip this up while the kids are finishing their homework or even while you’re trying to catch up on your favorite show. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on what you have on hand—whether that’s fresh or frozen broccoli, or even swapping out the cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort food on busy days!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (go for sharp for an extra kick!)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it creamier, but use what you like)
- 1/2 cup diced onion (sweet or yellow onions work great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for that rich, buttery flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more if you like a little heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste, but don’t go overboard!)
How to Prepare Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this delightful soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. First things first, grab your favorite pot and place it over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in there—oh, the smell of melting butter is just heavenly!
Once the butter is nice and bubbly, toss in 1/2 cup of diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. This is the base of our flavor, so don’t rush it!
Next, stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, and don’t forget to stir occasionally while you wait. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. You want it to be bright green and easily pierced with a fork!
Now comes the fun part! Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (you can also use an immersion blender if you have one). Blend until it’s silky smooth—don’t skimp on this step; it makes all the difference! If you like a chunkier texture, just blend part of it and leave some broccoli bits intact.
Pour the blended soup back into the pot over low heat. Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, which should take about 3-5 minutes. If you want a thicker soup, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water at this stage.
Once everything is melted and warmed, it’s time to serve! Ladle this creamy goodness into bowls, and feel free to garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or even some croutons for a delightful crunch. Enjoy your cozy, comforting bowl of broccoli cheddar soup!
Tips for Success
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste your soup before serving! You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper based on your preference.
- Make it thicker: If you like a heartier soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in while the soup is simmering.
- Blend carefully: If using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit first to avoid a hot explosion! Always blend in batches if it’s too full.
- Cheese options: Feel free to swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like Gruyère or even a spicy pepper jack if you’re feeling adventurous!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, if you’re counting calories or trying to stick to a particular diet, it’s always a good idea to double-check the labels on your products. I strive to give you the best estimates, but remember—everyone’s kitchen is a little different! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to make this soup your own!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Using frozen broccoli is a fantastic option, especially if you’re in a pinch or don’t have fresh on hand. Just toss it right into the pot without thawing—there’s no need to worry! It’ll cook down beautifully and still give you that lovely flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as frozen broccoli might take a minute or two longer to become tender.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of cheese substitutes you can use! Gruyère is a great choice if you want a nutty flavor, or you could try a sharp mozzarella for a milder taste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy pepper jack will add a nice kick! Just remember, the creaminess may vary, so adjust the milk a bit if you go for a cheese that’s less creamy than cheddar.
How can I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve! The easiest way is to mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir that into the simmering soup. Another option is to blend in more broccoli or even some potato for that hearty texture. You could also let the soup simmer a bit longer to naturally thicken it up. Just keep tasting as you go to find that perfect consistency!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy texture and rich cheddar flavor will warm you up from the inside out—it’s like a cozy hug!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious broccoli, this soup is a delicious way to sneak in some veggies.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients! Use fresh or frozen broccoli, and try different cheeses to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for later!
Equipment List
- Large Pot: You’ll need a sturdy pot to melt the butter and cook the soup.
- Cutting Board: A good cutting board makes chopping your onions, garlic, and broccoli a breeze!
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for easily slicing through your ingredients.
- Blender: Either a regular blender or an immersion blender will work for blending the soup until smooth.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts of broth, milk, and cheese!
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring everything together and keeping an eye on your soup as it simmers.
- Serving Bowls: Make sure you have some cozy bowls ready to serve this delicious soup!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup is a breeze! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—just make sure it’s sealed tight so it stays fresh. If you want to keep it longer, this soup freezes beautifully! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion, and it’ll be good for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave it in a bowl, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters. Enjoy that cozy goodness again!
Serving Suggestions
If you want to take your quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup to the next level, consider pairing it with some crusty bread! A warm, buttery baguette or some homemade garlic bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all that deliciousness. You could also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a bright and refreshing contrast. Toss in some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup. And don’t forget about crackers—crunchy, savory crackers are a delightful addition that kids and adults alike will love. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Print
Quick and Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 30 Minutes of Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for a busy day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in broccoli, broth, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Return to heat, stir in milk and cheese.
- Cook until cheese is melted and soup is hot.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, add cornstarch.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: quick and easy broccoli cheddar soup