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To create a rich and flavorful creamy broccoli cheddar soup, you need the following ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh) - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - Salt to taste These ingredients work together to create a warm and comforting soup. The olive oil adds a nice base flavor. Onions and garlic bring depth to the dish. Fresh broccoli provides not just taste, but also a vibrant green color. The carrots add a subtle sweetness. The vegetable broth is essential for a rich taste. Thyme and black pepper enhance the flavor while heavy cream brings a smooth texture. Finally, sharp cheddar cheese gives that classic cheesy goodness. You can find the full recipe through the link provided. This soup is perfect for cold days or any time you want a comforting meal. To make your creamy broccoli cheddar soup, follow these simple steps to create a rich and flavorful dish. 1. Heating the oil and sautéing the onion Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it until it turns soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. 2. Adding garlic and vegetables Once the onion is ready, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook this for another 1-2 minutes, letting the smell fill your kitchen. Next, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 2 diced carrots to the pot. 3. Simmering with vegetable broth Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. 4. Pureeing the soup After the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is nice and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Remember, hot liquids can splash, so take your time! 5. Incorporating cream and cheese Return the pot to low heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Allow it to warm for 5 minutes. Gradually mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and blends well. Now your creamy broccoli cheddar soup is ready! Serve it hot, perhaps with croutons or toasted bread. For more details, check the Full Recipe. How to prevent curdling when adding cheese? To prevent curdling, add cheese slowly. Stir the soup gently as you add it. This keeps the soup smooth and creamy. Choosing the right type of broccoli: Use fresh broccoli florets. They give the best flavor and texture. Look for bright green florets with firm stems. Avoid any yellowing or wilting. Recommended kitchen tools for blending: An immersion blender is best for this soup. It allows you to blend directly in the pot. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too. Just be careful with hot soup. Garnishing ideas: Top your soup with croutons for crunch. A sprinkle of extra cheese adds richness. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley for color. Best sides to serve with the soup: Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad. These sides balance the soup's creaminess. They make your meal more filling and enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can make your broccoli cheddar soup lighter and still tasty. One way is to use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. This swap cuts calories while keeping a creamy texture. You can also try using nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without the fat. It is rich in vitamins too. To add more depth to your soup, consider adding spices like nutmeg or smoked paprika. Nutmeg gives a warm note, while smoked paprika adds a nice, smoky flavor. You can also mix in other veggies, such as spinach or cauliflower. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while cauliflower thickens the soup nicely. These additions make your soup even more exciting and healthy. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents spills. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat the soup in a pot over low heat. Stir it well to bring back its creamy texture. If you want to freeze the soup for later, make sure it cools first. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pour it into a pot over medium heat. Stir often to avoid hot spots. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the right texture. This way, you will have a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup ready to savor! Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the pot along with the other ingredients. Frozen broccoli cooks quickly and will still taste great in the soup. How do I make this soup gluten-free? To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free vegetable broth. Check the cheese label to ensure it's gluten-free too. What type of cheese is best for broccoli cheddar soup? I recommend sharp cheddar cheese. Its strong flavor pairs well with broccoli. You can also mix in some mild cheddar for a creamier taste. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently when you're ready to serve. Tips for vegetarian variations For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more veggies like potatoes or bell peppers for a heartier soup. What makes a good creamy soup? A good creamy soup needs a smooth texture and rich flavor. Using heavy cream and blending the veggies well helps achieve this. How to make homemade broth for added flavor? To make homemade broth, simmer vegetable scraps, herbs, and water for a few hours. Strain the mixture, and you’ll have a tasty broth for your soup. This article covered how to make delicious broccoli cheddar soup. We explored key ingredients like fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations for healthier options. You can customize the soup easily by adding spices or using different vegetables. Storing leftovers also became simple with clear tips. With these insights, you can confidently make this soup for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth of homemade cooking and share it with loved ones!

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up your day with this deliciously creamy broccoli cheddar soup! Packed with fresh broccoli, vibrant carrots, and rich cheddar cheese, this easy recipe will delight your taste buds. Perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy lunch, it's a comforting bowl of goodness. Click through to discover how simple it is to make this hearty soup, complete with presentation tips that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy a bowl of warmth today!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

4 cups vegetable broth

2 medium carrots, diced

1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt to taste

Optional: Croutons or toasted bread for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add the broccoli florets, diced carrots, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

        Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy. (Alternatively, you can transfer it to a blender in batches but be cautious of hot liquid.)

          Return the pot to low heat and stir in the thyme, black pepper, and heavy cream. Let it warm through for 5 minutes.

            Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt, if needed.

              Serve hot, garnished with croutons or alongside toasted bread for a hearty meal.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a few fresh broccoli pieces on top for a pop of color. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.