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To make creamy broccoli cheddar soup, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Crusty bread for serving - Use a dry measuring cup for the cheese and cream. - Chop broccoli into small, even pieces. This helps it cook faster. - Dice the onion small for even cooking and better flavor. - Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste, but pre-minced works too. If you need some swaps, try these: - Use cauliflower for a low-carb option instead of broccoli. - Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter soup. - Cheddar can be replaced with Gruyère or mozzarella for a twist. - For a vegan version, use coconut cream and nut cheese. - Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for added flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. Enjoy the cooking process! Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one diced onion. Sauté for about five minutes until the onion looks clear. Then, add two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute until you smell the garlic's rich aroma. This step builds a great base for your soup. Next, toss in four cups of fresh broccoli florets. Pour in four cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mix to a gentle boil. Once it boils, lower the heat. Let it simmer for about ten to twelve minutes. The broccoli should become tender and bright green. This is when the flavors meld together. After the broccoli is ready, grab an immersion blender. Carefully blend the soup until it is smooth. If you like some pieces of broccoli, blend only half of the soup. This gives you a nice mix of textures, making each bite interesting. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in one cup of heavy cream and two cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Mix in one teaspoon of mustard powder and half a teaspoon of paprika. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy. This step makes the soup rich and comforting. Taste your soup and add salt and freshly ground pepper as needed. If you want a thinner soup, add more broth or cream. Once seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls. Serve it hot, and if you wish, add slices of crusty bread. This makes it perfect for dipping and enjoying every drop. To get the best texture, blend the soup well. Use an immersion blender for a smooth feel. If you want some chunks, blend half the soup. This gives a nice bite with creamy parts. You can also adjust the thickness. Add more broth for a thinner soup. For a thicker soup, blend it less. Boost the flavor with simple spices. Mustard powder adds depth, while paprika gives a hint of warmth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Try fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. These will lift the flavor and make it even better. Always taste the soup while cooking. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Presentation matters in making soup look inviting. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese on top and a few broccoli florets. This adds color and makes it pop. Serve with slices of crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds a nice touch to your meal. Enjoy making your soup look as good as it tastes! {{image_4}} You can boost the soup's flavor and make it heartier by adding protein. A few great options include: - Cooked chicken: Shred or dice cooked chicken and stir it in. - Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky taste. - Tofu: Firm tofu gives a nice texture for a vegetarian choice. Choose one or mix a few for a tasty twist. Adding more veggies increases nutrition and flavors. Here are some fun ideas: - Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color. - Cauliflower: This veggie blends well and adds creaminess. - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving for a pop of green. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand; the soup will still taste amazing. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can mix it up with different cheeses. Some tasty options include: - Gruyère: This cheese brings a nutty and rich flavor. - Monterey Jack: For a creamier melt, try Monterey Jack. - Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan for a salty kick. Mix and match cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile in this creamy soup. Store leftover creamy broccoli cheddar soup in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing it. This helps maintain its creamy texture. You can freeze this soup for longer storage. Place it in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot. Warm it over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Heat until it is hot throughout, and enjoy! You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Frozen broccoli works well in this soup. Just add it to the pot with the broth and cook until tender. Frozen broccoli is often picked at peak freshness. This helps keep its flavor and nutrients. To make this soup gluten-free, simply ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free. Most store-bought broths are gluten-free, but always check the label. Avoid using any flour-based thickeners. The heavy cream and cheese will keep the soup rich and creamy. This soup pairs well with crusty bread. A nice baguette or sourdough is great for dipping. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a light meal. A side of roasted veggies adds color and nutrients. Creamy broccoli cheddar soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, like off-smells or mold, discard it. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Yes, you can make this soup without heavy cream. Substitute it with whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For a thicker texture, blend in some cooked potatoes or cashews. This keeps the soup creamy while reducing fat. You now have a complete guide to creating a delicious broccoli cheddar soup. We covered each ingredient, measurement tips, and helpful substitutes. You learned how to cook and blend the soup, add cream, and season it perfectly. Remember the tips for texture, flavor, and presentation. Explore variations with protein, veggies, or different cheeses. Lastly, know how to store and reheat your leftovers. Enjoy your cooking and share this delightful soup with friends!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup! This creamy delight combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic spices for a bowl of pure happiness. Perfect as a cozy meal, this easy recipe only takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for any day of the week. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your soup game with this luscious, cheesy masterpiece!
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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 sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Add Broccoli and Broth: Introduce the broccoli florets into the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and vibrant in color.

      Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and retain some broccoli pieces for added bite.

        Stir in Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, mustard powder, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes velvety and creamy.

          Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. If you desire a thinner consistency, feel free to add more vegetable broth or cream.

            Serve: Ladle the luscious soup into bowls, serving it hot. If desired, accompany it with slices of crusty bread for dipping.

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

                - Presentation Tips: For an appealing finish, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar cheese and a few fresh broccoli florets. This adds a burst of color and makes for an inviting presentation. Don’t forget to serve with a slice of crusty bread, perfect for scooping up the creamy goodness!