Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: brócoli cheddar soup! Picture this: it’s a chilly day, and the wind is howling outside, but I’m cozied up in my kitchen, stirring a pot of creamy, cheesy goodness that fills the air with the most comforting aroma. The first spoonful is always a moment of bliss—the silky texture and rich cheddar flavor just wrap around you like a warm hug! I remember the first time I made it for a gathering; everyone couldn’t get enough and kept asking for the recipe! Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a staple in your home, too. It’s quick to whip up and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any day you need a little extra warmth in your life.
Ingredients for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, let’s get to the heart of this delicious brócoli cheddar soup! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – this is what gives your soup that lovely base flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped – for that aromatic sweetness that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 4 cups broccoli florets – fresh broccoli is a must for that vibrant color and crunch!
- 4 cups vegetable broth – this adds depth and richness to the soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream – for that luscious, creamy texture that you’ll absolutely love.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – the star of the show! Go for sharp cheddar if you can.
- Salt and pepper to taste – just a pinch of each to bring out all the flavors!
Trust me, having these ingredients prepped and ready will make your cooking process a breeze!
How to Prepare Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this brócoli cheddar soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have a bowl of creamy goodness in no time. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want that oil to shimmer—this is where the flavor begins!
- Next, add in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
- Now, toss in those vibrant 4 cups of broccoli florets along with 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil—this shouldn’t take long, just a few minutes!
- Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. You can poke a fork in to check if it’s tender enough for blending.
- Carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. I like to use an immersion blender for this, but a regular blender works just fine too—just be cautious of hot splashes!
- Return the blended soup to the pot, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into that creamy goodness, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test—oh wow, it’s going to be delicious! Serve hot and enjoy every warm, cheesy spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy texture that warms your soul with every bite.
- Loaded with fresh broccoli, making it a healthy vegetarian option.
- Cheddar cheese brings a delightful sharpness that elevates the flavor.
- Leftovers are just as tasty, making for great next-day lunches.
- Customizable! Add your favorite spices or toppings to make it your own.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.
Tips for Success with Brócoli Cheddar Soup
To make your brócoli cheddar soup truly shine, here are my top tips! First, when blending the soup, if you’re using a regular blender, let it cool slightly before blending to avoid any hot splashes—safety first! An immersion blender is fantastic for keeping things easy and mess-free. Secondly, feel free to adjust the thickness of your soup by adding more or less vegetable broth. If you love it creamy, don’t hold back on the heavy cream! Also, taste as you go; a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can really enhance those flavors. Finally, for a little extra fun, top your bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheese or some crunchy croutons for texture. You’ll thank me later!
Nutritional Information for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Curious about the nutrition in this delicious brócoli cheddar soup? Well, here’s what you can expect per serving—keep in mind these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
This soup is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh broccoli and creamy goodness. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious spoonful while knowing you’re treating yourself well!
Serving Suggestions for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious brócoli cheddar soup, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! For me, nothing beats a slice of crusty bread, like a warm baguette or some hearty sourdough, to soak up all that creamy goodness. It’s like a match made in heaven! You could also go for some buttery garlic bread if you want to take it up a notch—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a fresh salad is a fantastic complement. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the soup. You could even toss in some nuts or seeds for a little extra texture. Whatever you choose, just know that this soup is versatile enough to pair beautifully with a variety of sides, making your meal feel complete and oh-so-satisfying!
FAQ About Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this brócoli cheddar soup. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pot, so it cooks evenly and blends smoothly.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. For the cheddar cheese, look for a plant-based cheese that melts well to keep that cheesy goodness!
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust your cooking time to make sure everything gets tender.
How do I store leftover brócoli cheddar soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance, just keep it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious leftovers! First things first, make sure the brócoli cheddar soup has cooled down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge. I love using glass containers because they don’t retain odors and heat up beautifully!
When it’s time to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple! You can warm it up gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just pop it in for a minute or two, giving it a good stir halfway through. If you find the soup has thickened a bit, don’t hesitate to add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to bring back that lovely creamy texture. Trust me, you’ll want every last drop!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions for Brócoli Cheddar Soup
When it comes to making the perfect brócoli cheddar soup, understanding your ingredients can really elevate your dish! Let’s break down what each one does and explore some fabulous substitutions you might consider:
- Olive oil: This adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you’re looking for a different taste, feel free to use butter or avocado oil instead. Both will give a nice richness.
- Onion: I love using yellow onion for its sweet flavor, but if you’re not a fan, shallots or leeks can work beautifully, too.
- Garlic: This is a must for that aromatic kick! If you’re garlic-sensitive, try using garlic-infused oil for a milder flavor.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for its vibrant color and crunch. If you can’t find fresh, frozen florets are a great alternative—just be sure to thaw them first!
- Vegetable broth: This serves as the base, but if you want to amp up the flavor, homemade broth is fantastic! You can also use chicken broth if you’re not strictly vegetarian.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just know that coconut will bring a subtle sweetness!
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Gruyère or Monterey Jack can add a delightful twist, or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
- Salt and pepper: These are crucial for enhancing flavors. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust according to your preference—don’t be shy!
These substitutions allow you to customize the soup according to your dietary needs or taste preferences while keeping that comforting essence intact. Enjoy experimenting!
Print
Brócoli Cheddar Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and cheesy soup made with fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add broccoli and vegetable broth, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Return soup to pot, 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 thickness by adding more or less broth.
- Top with extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, vegetarian soup
