There’s something inherently cozy about curling up with a warm bowl of soup, and for me, nothing says comfort like a creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I remember the first time I had it—my mom used to make it on chilly evenings, filling our home with the savory scent of sautéed onions and melting cheese. It never failed to wrap us in warmth, with each spoonful hugging me like a soft blanket. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp. There’s just something about this soup that truly embraces the spirit of the season.

Now, before we dive into this delightful recipe, let me assure you, this isn’t just any ordinary broccoli soup. We’re talking about a dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! The sharpness of the cheddar cheese dancing with the natural sweetness of the broccoli creates a symphony of tastes that warms the soul. You’ll see—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🌱 Easy to make: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
• 💸 Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• 🥦 Nutrient-packed: Broccoli not only adds texture but also loads of vitamins!
• 🧀 Ultimate comfort: Creamy, cheesy goodness that warms you from the inside out.
• 👩‍🍳 Customizable: Make it your own with spices, toppings, or even a splash of cream!

Ingredients

Let’s gather all the goodness we need for this cozy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large bunch)
• 1 cup carrots, diced (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic brings the best flavor!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? This recipe is as easy as it gets! Just follow these steps:

1. Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Ah, the smell is delightful!
2. Add broccoli and carrots: Toss in the broccoli florets and diced carrots. Give everything a good stir to coat them with that buttery goodness. Cook for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies are slightly tender.
3. Thicken it up: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and mix well to combine. This will help give our soup that luxurious creamy texture as it thickens.
4. Pour in the broth: Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring as you go to prevent any lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
5. Blend if desired: If you like a smoother soup, use an immersion blender and blend until you reach your preferred consistency. I love leaving some chunks for texture!
6. Stir in the cheese and cream: Lower the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and everything is well incorporated. This is where it gets really delicious!
7. Season to taste: Give your soup a taste and season with salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing!
8. Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or freshly cracked black pepper if you fancy. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful!

Pro Tips & Variations

Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s have a little fun with variations and tips:

• 🌶️ Want to spice it up? Add a teaspoon of paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the broth for a warming kick.
• 🍄 Feel free to mix in some finely diced mushrooms for an earthier flavor.
• 🥔 For an even heartier version, add some diced potatoes in the first step to cook alongside the broccoli.
• 🌿 Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top before serving can elevate the flavor beautifully.
• 🍞 Serve it with some crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. The bread is perfect for dipping!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover broccoli cheddar soup (though I doubt that’ll happen!), here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully! Just like before, let it cool and store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. I love to use mason jars for single portions.
• Reheat: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of broth or water to get it back to your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! You can swap out the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free version and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. With veggie broth, it’s a delicious vegan dish!

What if I don’t like broccoli?

No worries at all! You can substitute other veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or even kale. Each will bring its unique flavor and health benefits!

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well too! Just toss it in during the last 10 minutes of simmering to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

How can I make this soup spicier?

For a kick, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce while it’s cooking. Adjust it to your spice preference!

This broccoli cheddar soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming bowl of happiness. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to get creative, and please share your own personal twists in the comments! I would love to hear your stories and see how you enjoy this comforting classic. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor the creamy goodness of Broccoli Cheddar Soup Perfect recipe for ultimate comfort combining fresh broccoli and rich cheddar in every bowl

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large bunch)

1 cup carrots, diced (about 2 medium carrots)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Sauté the veggies: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they’re translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add broccoli and carrots: Toss in the broccoli florets and diced carrots. Stir to coat with butter and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.

Thicken it up: Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and mix well to combine.

Pour in the broth: Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until broccoli is tender.

Blend if desired: Use an immersion blender to blend until your preferred consistency is reached.

Stir in the cheese and cream: Lower the heat and add in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring until cheese is melted.

Season to taste: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.

Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or black pepper.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 calories
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 12 grams

Keywords: broccoli soup, cheddar cheese soup, comfort food, creamy soup, vegetable soup