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To make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, gather the following ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Optional: Croutons for garnish These ingredients create a rich, savory flavor. Fresh broccoli adds a bright green color and nutrients. The sharp cheddar cheese gives it that classic creamy texture and taste. You can adjust the seasonings to fit your palate. For extra fun, add croutons on top. It makes the soup look fancy and adds a nice crunch. If you're curious about more details, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step guidance. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Add 1 chopped onion and sauté it until it turns soft, about 5 minutes. - Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. - Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. - Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. - Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender. - Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until it reaches your desired smoothness. - If you want some texture, blend only half of the soup. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Cook on low heat, stirring often, until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this tasty dish. - Choosing the right broccoli: Select fresh, bright green broccoli. Look for firm florets and sturdy stems. Avoid yellow or wilting pieces. This choice gives the best flavor and texture. - Adjusting seasoning for personal taste: Taste the soup as you cook. You can add more salt or pepper to enhance the flavor. A pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick! - Using an immersion blender: This tool lets you blend the soup right in the pot. It saves time and makes cleanup easier. Blend until smooth or to your desired chunkiness. - Alternative blending methods for texture preference: If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a regular blender. Blend in batches, but be careful with hot liquid. Leave some chunks for texture if you prefer. - Serving suggestions with croutons: Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Top with crunchy croutons for added texture. This pairs well with the creamy soup. - Adding garnishes for aesthetic appeal: Sprinkle fresh herbs or extra cheese on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. These small touches make your soup look gourmet. {{image_2}} You can switch heavy cream with alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream. These options give a different taste while keeping the soup creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version. For cheese, try using different types like gouda or mozzarella. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Mixing cheeses can create a richer taste. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your favorite. To make the soup gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free. Most vegetable broths are safe, but check the label. This small step keeps the soup safe for those with gluten allergies. For a vegan option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also add blended cashews for creaminess. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup. Adding spices like cayenne or chili powder can give the soup extra zest. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance its flavor profile. Taste as you go to find the right balance. Consider adding more vegetables. Carrots or bell peppers add color and nutrients. You can also toss in proteins like cooked chicken or beans. These options can turn your soup into a complete meal. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. After you make the creamy broccoli cheddar soup, let it cool. Pour the leftovers into airtight containers. This keeps the soup fresh. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They are great for storage and easy to clean. To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For a quick option, place it in a bowl of cold water. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring often. In the fridge, the soup lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange color, throw it away. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar soup safely! If you want to make a big batch, try the Full Recipe to stock up for the week. How long does Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup last? Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container. To enjoy the best taste, consume it within this time. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day. Just store it in the fridge after it cools. What's the best way to reheat the soup? Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short bursts. Why is my soup too thick? If your soup is too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth. Stir well and heat until it reaches your desired consistency. How can I fix an overly salty soup? To fix salty soup, add diced potatoes or more vegetables. Cook them until soft, then blend into the soup. This helps absorb some salt. Nutritional breakdown of the soup A serving of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup has about 350 calories. It includes 20g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 10g of protein. Possible health benefits of main ingredients Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, which boost immunity and bone health. Cheddar cheese adds calcium, which is good for strong bones. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bliss. This blog post covers how to make a creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and storage info. The recipe is simple and allows for various tweaks. You can use different cheeses, make it vegan, or try other spices for extra flavor. If you store it properly, this soup can last a while in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy exploring your kitchen with this easy and delicious soup recipe!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Savor the deliciousness of creamy broccoli cheddar bliss with our easy soup recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli and rich cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or a quick lunch. Discover how to create this creamy delight in just 35 minutes, with simple ingredients and easy steps.
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Optional: Croutons for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then bring to a boil.

        Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

          Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half and leave some broccoli pieces intact.

            Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in warm bowls, topped with croutons and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a fresh herb like parsley for color.