![To make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, gather the following ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium yellow onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - Croutons (for garnish) - Fresh parsley (for garnish) These items combine to create a rich and tasty treat. You can add extra flavor with these optional ingredients: - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness - Fresh herbs like thyme or chives for freshness Adding these can take your soup to the next level. If you have dietary needs, here are some substitutions: - Use almond milk or oat milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option. - Swap cheddar cheese for dairy-free cheese if you want a vegan version. - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a heartier taste. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this soup. For more detailed cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. To make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup, start by melting butter in a large pot. Use medium heat for this. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes. The onion should become clear but not brown. Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for 2 more minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Now, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender. After that, grab an immersion blender. Blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully pour the soup into a blender in batches. Then, blend it and return it to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix it well until the cheese melts. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Finally, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like. Serve the soup hot, topped with croutons and fresh parsley for a nice touch. Here are some tools I recommend for making this soup: - Large pot - Immersion blender (or regular blender) - Cutting board - Sharp knife - Measuring cups and spoons - Ladle These tools will help you make the process easy and quick. For perfect sautéing, keep the heat moderate. This prevents burning the garlic and onion. Stir often to mix the flavors well. When blending, be careful with hot soup. If using a blender, blend in small batches to avoid spills. You can also let the soup cool a bit before blending. This makes it safer to handle. Enjoy making your Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make your soup extra creamy, use heavy cream. It adds a rich texture that makes every bite delightful. You can also blend in some cream cheese. This gives a nice tang and even more creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Herbs and spices can really boost the flavor of your soup. Try adding thyme or parsley for a fresh taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. If you love garlic, consider adding more minced garlic for depth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If your soup is too thick, add more broth or cream until you reach the right consistency. If it’s too salty, add a bit of sugar. This can balance the saltiness. For a grainy texture, make sure to blend the soup well. An immersion blender works best for a smooth finish. Follow the [Full Recipe] for step-by-step guidance to avoid any mishaps. {{image_2}} You can swap cheddar for other cheeses. Try gouda for a smoky taste. Swiss gives a nutty flavor. Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth texture. Mix and match for unique soups. Boost your soup with protein. Cooked chicken makes it hearty. Crumbled bacon adds a crispy twist. You can also use sausage for a spicy kick. Just stir it in before serving. You can make this soup vegan. Use coconut milk instead of cream. Swap cheddar for vegan cheese. Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. This version is still rich and tasty. For the best results, follow the Full Recipe. Store leftover soup in an airtight container. Let the soup cool before sealing. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Use clear glass containers for better visibility. Always label your container with the date. This helps track freshness. You can freeze creamy broccoli cheddar soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to three months. For best results, avoid adding cheese before freezing. Add the cheese when you reheat the soup. When reheating, do it slowly on the stove. Stir often to prevent sticking. If the soup seems thick, add a bit of broth or water. Avoid boiling the soup; this helps keep it creamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. For the best flavor, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just heat it up on the stove before serving. The flavors may even improve after a day. To thicken the soup, you can blend more broccoli. This adds texture and keeps it healthy. Another option is to use extra cheese. Adding more cheddar will also help thicken the soup and boost the cheese flavor. You can serve the soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair well too. If you want something light, a simple green salad is great. For a fun twist, try adding croutons on top for extra crunch. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! This blog post covered all you need for creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We went through key ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and creative variations. I shared ways to enhance flavor and make it your own. You can store this soup easily for later or even freeze it. Finally, the FAQs should help answer your main questions. Enjoy making this soup your way and share it with others!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/4dd16d7b-2f7e-4a64-9c94-1ccc6b2d0189-250x250.webp)
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe! Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of garlic, this soup is both hearty and delicious. Perfect for chilly days, it’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this creamy delight at home. Click to explore and warm up your kitchen with this tasty treat!