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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated The main stars of this soup are fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese. Broccoli gives the soup a bright green color and a healthy boost. Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful cheesy flavor that makes this soup so comforting. Diced onion and minced garlic bring depth and warmth. Vegetable broth gives a nice base, while heavy cream adds richness. - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Seasonings make a big difference. Mustard powder adds a slight tang. Paprika gives a bit of warmth and color. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Olive oil is great for sautéing, adding a light and fruity taste. - Crusty bread for serving - Extra cheese for garnish Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. It adds texture and is a great way to enjoy the soup. Adding extra cheese on top gives a rich finish. You can also use leftover broccoli florets for garnish, making your soup look even more appealing! First, let’s sauté the onions and garlic. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until you smell that lovely garlic aroma. Now it's time to add the broccoli and broth. Toss in 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but not mushy. After simmering, grab your immersion blender. Blend the soup until it’s nice and smooth. If you prefer some texture, blend only half of the soup. This way, you’ll have some broccoli pieces left for a bit of crunch. Now, we will incorporate the cream and cheese. Return the pot to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard powder and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika for extra flavor. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, making the soup creamy and rich. Lastly, season to taste with salt and pepper. If you like it thicker, add more cream or broth. Make it just how you like it! Choosing the right type of cheddar is key. I recommend using sharp cheddar. It gives a rich and bold flavor. You can also mix in some mild cheddar for balance. Adding herbs or spices can elevate your soup. Consider thyme or basil for freshness. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. Adjust the thickness with broth or cream. If your soup is too thick, add more broth. For extra creaminess, pour in more heavy cream. If you want to thicken the soup, consider using cornstarch. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water. Stir it into the soup while it simmers. Garnishing techniques make your soup look great. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top. Add a few broccoli florets for color. Serving with sides can enhance the meal. Crusty bread pairs nicely with this soup. It’s perfect for dipping and adds texture. {{image_2}} To make this soup vegan or dairy-free, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. Swap sharp cheddar with a plant-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy and rich. For gluten-free needs, ensure the vegetable broth has no gluten. Most broths are safe, but check labels. You can add proteins like cooked chicken for a heartier soup. Simply shred the chicken and mix it in before serving. Adding other vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Carrots bring sweetness, while spinach adds vibrant color. Toss these in when you add the broccoli for a nice balance. To spice things up, add chopped peppers for a kick. Jalapeños or bell peppers work well. Experiment with different cheeses too. Gouda or Monterey Jack can change the taste. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor blend. Try different combinations to find your favorite! Your creamy broccoli cheddar soup will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep the soup from drying out and absorbing other odors. If you want to store the soup for longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Label them with the date. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating the soup can be simple. You can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on low, stirring often. For the microwave, place it in a safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the soup creamy, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating. This helps restore its rich texture. To thicken your soup, you can use cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup while it simmers. This will help thicken it without changing the taste. Another option is to add more cheese. The cheese will melt and create a creamier texture. You can also mash some of the broccoli with a fork. This adds body and keeps the flavor intact. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Frozen broccoli is often blanched before freezing, which helps it cook faster. Just add it to the pot in the same way as fresh broccoli. Keep an eye on the cooking time since frozen broccoli may need less time to soften. You may want to adjust the broth slightly to ensure the soup stays creamy. This soup pairs nicely with crusty bread. A slice of sourdough or a baguette works great for dipping. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a light meal. A side of roasted vegetables adds a nice touch too. If you want a heartier option, consider grilled cheese sandwiches. They complement the soup's creamy texture perfectly. This blog post covered how to make delicious creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We looked at key ingredients, including fresh broccoli, onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar. Then, I shared easy steps to prepare, blend, and finish the soup. We also discussed tips to enhance flavors and different variations. In closing, this soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and creamy goodness, it's a delicious way to warm up your day. This easy recipe features simple steps for a delightful bowl of soup that impresses. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a cozy meal at home. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of cheesy bliss today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Add Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

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

        Stir in Cream and Cheese: Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and paprika. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

          Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or cream if desired.

            Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally with crusty bread on the side.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and a few broccoli florets for a colorful presentation. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.