![- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 carrots, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) When cooking, accuracy matters. Use a measuring cup for the broth and cream. A kitchen scale helps for cheese if you prefer weight. Chop vegetables evenly. This aids in quick and even cooking. Want to change it up? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You can also toss in cooked bacon for a savory crunch. If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the soup nicely. These extras make the soup your own! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need fresh broccoli, onion, carrots, garlic, vegetable broth, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This soup is easy and quick to make. You can prep in about 15 minutes. Dice the onion and carrots. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and carrots. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft. This step brings out the sweet flavors in the onion. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. You will smell a lovely aroma. Now, stir in the broccoli florets. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This cooking time is crucial. You want the broccoli to be tender but still bright green. When the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Once smooth, return it to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. This adds creaminess and a hint of tang. Now, gradually add the grated cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts completely into the soup. This is where the magic happens; the soup becomes rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat for a few more minutes, but don’t let it boil. For a lovely finish, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping. This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the perfect comfort meal! Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for any steps you may have missed. To get that dreamy, creamy texture, the key is blending. After cooking the soup, use an immersion blender. This tool makes it easy to purée the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have one, blend the soup in batches. Just make sure to return it all to the pot afterward. The cream and cheese also add to the smoothness. Use full-fat cream and sharp cheddar for the best results. If you want to boost the flavor, think about adding more. A splash of lemon juice brightens the taste. You can also mix in cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch. If you love herbs, fresh thyme or basil can lift the dish. For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each of these ingredients makes your soup unique. Avoid overcooking the broccoli. If you cook it too long, it loses its vibrant color and crunch. Keep an eye on the simmering time. Also, avoid adding the cheese too quickly. Gradually stir it in for a smooth melt. Lastly, remember to taste and season your soup. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. By avoiding these mistakes, your soup will be perfect every time. For the full recipe, check the complete guide above. {{image_2}} You can add more veggies to your soup for extra nutrition. Try spinach, peas, or zucchini. These will blend well and add color. You can also sneak in some cooked quinoa or lentils for protein. They will make your soup heartier without changing the taste. While sharp cheddar is my go-to, other cheeses work too. Try gouda for a smoky flavor or Monterey Jack for creaminess. You could even mix cheeses for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amount based on the cheese's strength. If you want a dairy-free version, there are great options available. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese, which melts well. Just ensure it's a brand you like for the best flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your creamy broccoli cheddar soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This way, it stays tasty and safe to eat. When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium heat until it is warm. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some soup for later, freezing works well. Let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand. 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 as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty, easy comfort meal anytime! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge. I often prepare it a day before serving. Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using whole milk or half-and-half. You can also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that these options may change the flavor and texture a bit. If you want to keep it rich, use sour cream or cream cheese. Both add a nice tang. This creamy broccoli cheddar soup can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure you store it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. If you notice any off smell or strange look, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can also check out the Full Recipe for more tips on storing leftovers! In this post, I outlined the key steps to making a delicious soup. We covered the ingredients you'll need and measurements for success. I shared cooking steps and how to blend for the best texture. Remember to use tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Explore variations for extra nutrition and learn how to store your leftovers properly. Soup can be made ahead and enjoyed later. Enjoy your cooking journey and happy eating!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/abcb4099-a710-4d30-8f5d-fd35193da389-250x250.webp)
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Savor the comforting flavors of this creamy broccoli cheddar soup that’s perfect for chilly days! Packed with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this easy recipe will become a family favorite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the ultimate cozy meal.Perfect for lunch or dinner!