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When making Cheddar Broccoli Soup, fresh and rich flavors shine through. Here’s what you need to gather: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Optional garnishes: croutons and fresh chives These ingredients come together to create a warm, cheesy delight. The aged cheddar cheese adds a deep flavor. Fresh broccoli not only looks great but also brings a healthy crunch. Each bite wraps you in creamy goodness. I love to use vegetable broth for a rich base. It enhances the flavors without overpowering them. Don't forget the optional garnishes! Croutons provide a fun crunch, and fresh chives add a pop of color. This combo turns a simple bowl of soup into a beautiful dish. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup section above. - Sauté the onion and garlic Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to release its nice smell. - Add broccoli and vegetable broth Next, toss in the fresh broccoli florets. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring this to a gentle boil. Cook for about 15 minutes. You want the broccoli to be nice and tender. - Blend the soup to desired consistency After cooking, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Blend until it is as smooth as you like. If you want some chunks, leave a few florets whole. - Incorporate cream and cheese Put the pot back on low heat. Stir in the heavy cream next. Add the shredded cheddar cheese as well. Mix everything until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. - Season to taste Finally, season the soup with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if needed. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy your creamy goodness! To boost the taste of your cheddar broccoli soup, try these ideas: - Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or nutmeg for warmth. - Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can add a bright touch. - For creaminess, use sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese. Their flavors are rich and bold. You can choose how smooth or chunky to make your soup: - For a chunky soup, blend just half. Leave some broccoli pieces intact. - If you want it smooth, blend it all until creamy. - Always let the blender cool slightly before using. This keeps the hot soup safe. Serving your soup well makes it even better: - Pair it with warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad. - Top with croutons and fresh chives for a pop of color. - Ladle the soup into bowls and let the toppings shine. This makes a lovely presentation. For more details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you want to make this soup vegetarian, swap the vegetable broth for a rich mushroom broth. This adds depth without any meat. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk in place of cream and almond cheese instead of cheddar. These swaps keep the soup creamy and flavorful, perfect for anyone avoiding dairy. You can enhance your cheddar broccoli soup with seasonal veggies. Try adding carrots or peas for extra color and taste. Sweet potatoes can add a nice sweetness, too. For protein, consider stirring in some cooked chicken or turkey. This makes the soup heartier and more filling. You can easily turn this soup into a casserole. Just pour it into a baking dish, top it with breadcrumbs or more cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a fun twist on the classic. You can also serve this soup as a starter. Use smaller bowls for a light beginning to a meal, or serve it as a main dish with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy experimenting with these variations to find your perfect blend! To keep your cheddar broccoli soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors from other foods. Let the soup cool completely before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often to keep it from burning. If you want to save the soup for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool down. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove, stirring as it warms. Avoid using the microwave, as it can change the texture. How can I make Cheddar Broccoli Soup thicker? You can thicken Cheddar Broccoli Soup by adding more cheese or cream. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry. Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add this to the soup and stir until it thickens. Can I substitute the cheddar cheese for something else? Yes, you can use other cheeses. Gruyère or Monterey Jack work well. Each cheese gives a different taste. Feel free to mix your favorites! Is this soup healthy or low-calorie? Cheddar Broccoli Soup is creamy and rich, so it’s not low-calorie. However, you can make it healthier. Use low-fat cheese or light cream. Also, add more broccoli for fiber and nutrients. What can I serve with Cheddar Broccoli Soup? Serve your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Croutons add crunch. A sprinkle of fresh chives on top makes it look nice too! How do I store my Cheddar Broccoli Soup properly? Cool the soup first before storing. Place it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this soup. It’s already blanched, so it cooks faster. Just add it to the pot and adjust your cooking time slightly. How do I fix bland soup? To fix bland soup, add more seasoning. A pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce can help. You can also stir in a bit of lemon juice for brightness. Taste as you go to find the right balance. For the complete cooking journey, check out the Full Recipe for Cheddar Broccoli Soup. In this blog post, we explored how to make Cheddar Broccoli Soup. We discussed all the ingredients you need and laid out clear steps for cooking. I shared tips to enhance flavor and maintain texture. You can even adapt the recipe for dietary needs or seasonal veggies. Remember, this soup is comforting and versatile. It can be a light starter or a tasty main dish. Try experimenting with different cheeses or toppings. Enjoy creating a delicious bowl that suits your taste!

- Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! This creamy and rich soup is perfect for chilly days, featuring fresh broccoli, aged cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that will warm your heart. Ready to indulge? Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional: croutons and fresh chives for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

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

      Add the broccoli florets to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.

        Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup until it reaches your desired smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, leave some florets intact.

          Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

            Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.

              Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with croutons, and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a vibrant finish. Serve with warm crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.