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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Crusty bread for serving - Fresh garlic - Smoked paprika - Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. - Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer less salt. - Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and see-through. - Adding Garlic: Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for one more minute. This step adds a lovely, fragrant smell. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. - Incorporating Broccoli Florets: Now, add your fresh broccoli florets to the pot. Gently toss them in the oil and onions. Sauté for about 2 minutes. This helps the broccoli soak up all the tasty flavors. - Pouring in Vegetable Broth: After sautéing, pour in the vegetable broth. Make sure the broccoli is fully submerged. Bring this mix to a gentle boil. - Immersion Blender Techniques: Once boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Your broccoli should be fork-tender now. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy. - Achieving Desired Texture: If you want an even silkier soup, you can use a regular blender. Just blend in small batches and return it to the pot when done. - Adding Cream and Cheese: Return the blended soup to medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the soup. - Seasoning and Simmering: Season your soup with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Now, enjoy this creamy broccoli cheddar soup. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. Using Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use bright green broccoli florets for your soup. They bring a crisp taste and vibrant color. Choose a sharp cheddar cheese for that rich flavor. Fresh garlic adds a nice kick too. If you have herbs, like thyme or parsley, add them in for extra depth. Experimenting with Spices Spices can change the game. Start with smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, if you like spice. Nutmeg can lend a warm note to the mix. Try different spices to find what you love best. Blending Techniques To make your soup creamy, blending is key. Use an immersion blender for ease. It lets you blend right in the pot. If you prefer a super smooth texture, transfer the soup to a countertop blender. Blend in batches, then return it to the pot. Cheese Melting Tips When adding cheese, do it slowly. Stir the cheese in over low heat. This helps it melt evenly without clumping. If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Best Accompaniments Serve your soup with crusty bread. The texture of the bread pairs well with the creamy soup. Grilled cheese sandwiches are another great match. They add a fun twist to your meal. Garnishing Ideas Garnishes can elevate your soup. A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top looks nice. Add a dash of smoked paprika for color. Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, can brighten the dish. These simple touches make your soup more inviting. For the full recipe, check out the complete details on how to make this creamy broccoli cheddar bliss. {{image_4}} Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup To make a vegan version, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream. Use vegan cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy and rich without dairy. Gluten-Free Options The original recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients are safe. This makes it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Adding Proteins You can make this soup heartier by adding proteins. Cooked chicken or crispy bacon can bring a nice twist. Just stir these in before serving for added flavor. Introducing Herbs Fresh herbs can change the whole taste of your soup. Try adding thyme for earthiness or basil for a hint of sweetness. These herbs will elevate the dish and make it smell amazing. Chunky vs. Smooth Soup Do you prefer a chunky soup? Simply blend half of the soup and leave the rest as is. This gives you a mix of textures. If you want it smooth, blend it all until creamy. Adding Other Vegetables Feel free to add veggies like carrots or cauliflower. This adds color and nutrition. Just cook them with the broccoli for a well-rounded flavor. To store your soup, let it cool down first. Pour it into an airtight container. Seal the container tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. - Proper Cooling Techniques: Place the soup in the fridge after about 30 minutes. This helps it cool safely. - Storage Duration: You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Freezing is a great way to save your soup for later. Just follow a few simple steps for best results. - Freezing Strategies: Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also portion out servings for easy use. - How to Reheat Effectively: Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth and creamy. Don't let any leftovers go to waste! You can use them in various ways. - Incorporating into Other Dishes: Use the soup as a base for pasta or grain dishes. You can also drizzle it over baked potatoes for a tasty twist. - Repurposing Ideas for Meal Prep: Blend it into a sauce for mac and cheese. Pour it into a casserole for added creaminess. The possibilities are endless! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. Broccoli cheddar soup can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it well, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the soup fresh and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion. Yes, you can make broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time. It tastes great when you prepare it a day or two before. To do this, follow the recipe steps and let the soup cool. Then, store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Add a splash of cream if it looks too thick. You can make broccoli cheddar soup without cheese. You might want to use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. These options add some flavor without using dairy. Keep in mind that the soup may not be as creamy. To enhance the texture, try adding more heavy cream or blended potatoes. This keeps the soup rich while being cheese-free. Broccoli cheddar soup offers a comforting mix of flavors and textures. We covered key ingredients, like fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar. You learned how to create a creamy base and blend the soup perfectly. I shared tips for enhancements and variations, including vegan options and protein additions. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish. Your kitchen will be filled with warm smiles!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bliss soup recipe! Perfectly velvety and bursting with flavor, it combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and aromatic spices for an irresistible treat. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up this cozy dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Click through to explore the full recipe and experience a bowl of pure deliciousness!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup heavy cream (substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra layer of flavor)

Optional: slices of crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softens.

    Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to let it brown.

      Cook Broccoli: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot, tossing them gently to coat in the oil and sauté for another 2 minutes. Then, pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the broccoli is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

        Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is fork-tender, making it easy to blend.

          Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a silkier texture, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until completely smooth, then return it to the pot.

            Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once blended, return the soup to medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated into the soup.

              Season Perfectly: Season the soup with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.

                Final Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure an even temperature throughout.

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

                    - Serving Suggestion: Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into warm bowls. Serve alongside crusty slices of bread for dipping. For a delightful finish, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top and a dash of smoked paprika, adding both flavor and a vibrant pop of color!