Go Back
For this soup, fresh ingredients are key. You need: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh broccoli gives your soup a bright flavor. The onion adds sweetness, while garlic gives it a warm kick. Each bite bursts with freshness. The creamy part makes this soup special. You will want: - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups aged cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream Vegetable broth brings depth. Aged cheddar adds a rich, tangy taste. Heavy cream makes it velvety and smooth, giving your soup that comforting feel. Seasoning brings all the flavors together. Include: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika Olive oil helps cook the aromatics. Salt and pepper enhance taste. Smoked paprika adds a unique smokiness, making your soup truly delightful. For the full process, check the Full Recipe and start cooking! Start by washing your broccoli florets well. This step is key for freshness. Next, dice the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. These aromatics will add great flavor to your soup. In a large pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. When the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes. Stir often to keep it from browning. Once the onion is soft, add the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute. You want it to smell great but not burn. Now, toss in the broccoli florets and pour in the vegetable broth. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes. The broccoli should become tender and bright green. After cooking, take the pot off the heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup. Blend until it is as smooth as you like. If you want chunks, leave some florets whole. Return the pot to low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Lastly, season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste it and adjust if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving. For extra flair, check out the Full Recipe for presentation tips! To make your soup rich and smooth, use heavy cream. It adds depth and a velvety texture. Blend the soup well after cooking. An immersion blender is perfect for this job. If you want it extra creamy, add more cheese! Aged cheddar offers a deeper flavor, so don’t skimp on it. One common mistake is not cooking the broccoli long enough. Undercooked broccoli can ruin the soup's texture. Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic before adding broccoli. This step builds flavor. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese. This can cause it to become grainy. Keep the heat low to keep it smooth. To boost flavor, consider adding smoked paprika. It gives a nice, subtle smokiness. Fresh herbs, like chives, can brighten the dish. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. If you enjoy a tangy flavor, a splash of lemon juice works wonders. Serve it with croutons for crunch, and you have a delightful meal. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make a vegan version of this soup. Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. This adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Blend it well to ensure a smooth texture. Want to add some protein? Cooked chicken or crispy bacon works great. Simply stir in cooked, shredded chicken for a heartier dish. If you prefer bacon, fry it until crispy, then crumble it on top. Both options give the soup a lovely savory touch. You can also spice things up! A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper adds heat. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. For a smoky taste, include more smoked paprika. Experiment with your favorite spices to make it your own! Check out the Full Recipe to try these variations. After enjoying your cheddar broccoli soup, let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you know when to eat it. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, pour it into a pot. Heat it on low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. If it seems too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover the bowl with a paper towel to prevent splatters. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely before freezing. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you’ll have a warm, tasty meal ready when you need it! Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It makes life easy. Frozen broccoli is often just as tasty. It cooks faster, too! Just add it to your pot like fresh broccoli. The soup will still be creamy and delicious. To thicken your soup, try a few methods. You can blend more of the soup. Use a potato masher for some chunks. Adding a cornstarch slurry works well, too. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in. Your soup will be thicker in no time! Cheddar broccoli soup pairs well with many sides. A warm, crusty bread is a great choice. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad. For a fun twist, try it with grilled cheese sandwiches. These pairings make your meal even more special! This blog post covered all you need to make a great cheddar broccoli soup. We talked about fresh ingredients and the creamy base. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and blend the soup. Plus, I shared tips for the perfect creaminess and common mistakes to avoid. Experiment with variations like vegan options or adding proteins. Now, you can store and reheat leftovers easily. This soup is not only tasty but also fun to make. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

- Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Warm up your meals with this delicious and creamy Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! Packed with fresh broccoli and rich aged cheddar, this comforting recipe is perfect for any day. In just 35 minutes, you can create a hearty dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Don't miss out on the chance to delight your taste buds—click through to explore the full recipe and make your own bowl of bliss today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

      Incorporate the fresh broccoli florets into the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and vibrant in color.

        Carefully remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired smoothness. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to leave some of the broccoli florets in larger pieces.

          Return the pot to low heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Follow this by adding the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix continuously until the cheese melts completely and infuses the soup, creating a rich and creamy consistency.

            Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to suit your preference.

              Once well-seasoned, remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Garnish with crunchy croutons and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a pop of color. For a complete meal experience, accompany the soup with warm, crusty bread.