![To make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need the following ingredients: - 4 cups broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thicker texture) - Fresh parsley for garnish You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli for this soup. Fresh broccoli gives a bright taste and nice texture. It also adds color and nutrients. However, frozen broccoli is handy and saves time. It is often pre-washed and chopped. The taste might be slightly different but still delicious. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using. This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is not just tasty; it is also nourishing. One serving provides a good amount of vitamins. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein. The heavy cream gives a rich flavor but also increases the calorie count. If you want to make it lighter, use less cream or substitute with a lighter version. Overall, this soup is a great way to enjoy vegetables and comfort food together. Start by washing your broccoli florets well. You want them clean and ready to cook. Chop the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. This helps to release their strong flavor. Gather all your ingredients before you begin. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and fun! In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for one more minute. Then, add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring this mix to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the broccoli is tender, which will take around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully pour the soup into a regular blender in batches. Once smooth, return the soup to the pot. Keep the heat low and stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you want. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and becomes creamy. If you want a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, then stir it into the soup. Let it simmer for an extra 3-5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as you like. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get a smooth and creamy soup, start by cooking your broccoli well. Tender broccoli blends better. Use an immersion blender for a quick and easy puree. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too, just be careful with hot soup. Adding heavy cream helps create that rich texture. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it in. This makes it even creamier. Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of this soup. It gives a bold flavor that blends well with the broccoli. You can also mix in some mild cheddar for a smoother taste. If you want a twist, try Gruyère cheese. Just remember, always shred your cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melting. One common mistake is overcooking the broccoli. This can make it mushy and lose its bright color. Another mistake is adding cheese too quickly. Stir it in slowly for even melting. Lastly, don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Tasting your soup as you cook helps you adjust the flavors just right. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe for Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup. {{image_2}} You can make this soup vegan and dairy-free. Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use a plant-based cheese for that cheesy flavor. Choose vegetable broth that is free from animal products. This way, you enjoy a creamy soup without dairy. Feel free to add other veggies to your soup. Carrots, cauliflower, or spinach work great. Chop them finely and add them with the broccoli. They will cook well and add more taste and nutrients. This also makes your soup colorful and fun. Changing seasonings can boost flavor. Instead of black pepper, try white pepper for a milder taste. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a nice twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices you love. This is your soup, so make it your own! Check the [Full Recipe] for more ideas. You should store leftover soup in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, check the smell and color. If it looks or smells off, toss it out. To freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the container under cold water. Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir it well to keep it smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your warm, creamy broccoli cheddar soup! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free. To do this, simply skip the cornstarch or use a gluten-free thickener like arrowroot powder. Make sure your vegetable broth is also gluten-free. Most brands are, but it's always good to check the label. To thicken the soup without cornstarch, you can use a few methods. One way is to blend in more broccoli until you reach your desired thickness. Another option is to use a potato. Cook a peeled potato with the broccoli and blend it. The potato adds creaminess and thickness without changing the flavor much. This soup pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. A grilled cheese sandwich also complements the flavors nicely. For a lighter option, try it with some steamed vegetables. Each choice adds a tasty touch to your meal. In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We covered the ingredients, both fresh and frozen broccoli, and detailed nutritional information. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and helpful tips for the perfect texture. We also discussed variations, storage, and frequently asked questions. In closing, making this soup is easy and rewarding. With simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious, warm meal. Experiment with flavors and textures to suit your taste. This soup is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/6809dc08-79d7-460e-8406-9c06eb05ac01-250x250.webp)
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the creamy delight of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! This hearty recipe combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of nutmeg for a flavor experience you won't forget. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's simple to prepare and takes just 30 minutes. Discover how to sauté, blend, and serve this comforting soup that warms the soul.