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To make a rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup, gather these key ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a warm and comforting bowl of soup. For a bit of flair, consider these optional garnishes: - Croutons for crunch - Fresh parsley for color These garnishes can elevate the soup and add texture. You can tweak some ingredients if you like. Here are some easy swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a meatier flavor. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. - Swap sharp cheddar with mild cheddar or even a mix of cheeses. Feel free to adjust based on what you have at home. These substitutions can still yield a delicious soup. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy & Creamy Broccoli Delight. To make the best creamy broccoli cheddar soup, start with fresh ingredients. Gather your tools: a large pot, a knife, and a blender. Chop the broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Prepare your space so you can move quickly. This soup comes together fast! 1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. 3. Add garlic: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you smell its lovely scent. 4. Cook the broccoli: Toss in the broccoli florets. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. 5. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The broccoli should be tender at this point. After cooking, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender to make it smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit first. Once blended, return the soup to the pot. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder. Add half of the cheddar cheese and stir until melted. For serving, add more cheddar cheese right before you dish it out. This adds extra creaminess. Optional garnishes like croutons and fresh parsley make it look pretty. Enjoy your creamy broccoli cheddar soup! For detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. To make your soup extra creamy, use heavy cream. It blends well and gives a rich taste. When you blend the soup, make sure it is smooth. An immersion blender works best. If you use a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit before blending. This step helps prevent splatters. Another trick is to add the cheese slowly. This makes it melt better and gives a smooth finish. Sharp cheddar cheese is my top choice for flavor. It adds a nice bite that pairs well with broccoli. You can also mix in some Gruyère for a nutty taste. For a milder flavor, use mild cheddar. The key is to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture. One mistake is not cooking the broccoli long enough. If the broccoli is too firm, it won’t blend well. Always check it with a fork. Another mistake is adding too much salt too early. Taste the soup before seasoning. Cheese adds saltiness, so adjust after it melts. Lastly, avoid blending while the soup is too hot. This can cause it to splatter. Let it cool a bit for safety. For more tips, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup even better with add-ins. Try adding cooked bacon for a smoky crunch. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick. You can also toss in some cooked potatoes for more heartiness. If you love spices, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. These simple changes can make each bowl taste unique and fun. If you want a vegan version, you can swap the cream and cheese. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add cashew cream for richness. Just soak cashews in water and blend them until smooth. This will help you create a comforting meal that fits your dietary needs. To make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup gluten-free, check your broth. Ensure it is gluten-free, as some brands may add gluten. Use gluten-free croutons for garnish if you like that crunch. You can also thicken the soup with cornstarch instead of flour. Just mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it into the soup. This keeps your dish safe for those avoiding gluten while still delicious. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. Place the soup in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use it. You can freeze Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, too. First, cool the soup completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat leftover soup on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat it over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add more broth or cream if needed for smoothness. Enjoy your comforting soup warm! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy & Creamy Broccoli Delight! Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. It’s best to eat it within this time for the best flavor. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s safer to toss it out. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It makes the soup quick and easy. Just add the frozen broccoli straight to the pot with the broth. You may need to cook it a bit longer until it’s tender. Frozen broccoli is great when fresh is not available. Many tasty sides pair well with this soup. Here are a few ideas: - Crusty bread or rolls - A fresh garden salad - Grilled cheese sandwiches - Garlic bread sticks - Croutons on top of the soup These options will add flavor and make your meal more filling. For the full recipe, you can check the details above. We've covered key ingredients, step-by-step directions, and great tips to perfect your soup. You learned how to store it and explored creative variations too. Remember, you can always tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Whether you choose optional garnishes or substitutions, enjoy making this creamy dish your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Satisfy your taste buds with this Cheesy & Creamy Broccoli Delight! This comforting soup combines fresh broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 30 minutes. Don't miss out on making this delicious dish that your family will love!
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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 shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Croutons and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat 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 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add the broccoli florets to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

        Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending.

          Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

            Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the remaining cheddar cheese just before serving, letting it melt into the soup.

              Serve hot, garnished with croutons and fresh parsley if desired.

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