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You need 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli gives the soup great flavor and color. When choosing broccoli, look for bright green florets. Avoid any yellow or wilted parts. Use 1 medium onion, diced, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. The onion adds sweetness. Garlic gives a nice aroma. Sautéing these together creates a tasty base for your soup. You will need 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. The broth is the soup's heart. Cream makes it rich and smooth. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor that makes the soup special. Also, mix 1 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of cold water to create a slurry. This thickens the soup nicely. Don't forget 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. These spices enhance the soup's taste. You can add fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor if you like. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until you smell the garlic. This step adds great flavor to your soup. Now, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets into the pot. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the broccoli to be tender but not mushy. Once the broccoli is cooked, it's time to blend. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you want some chunks, blend just half and leave the rest. This gives your soup a nice texture. After blending, add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Gradually mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts. Then, slowly add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 cup of cornstarch mixed with 1 cup of cold water. Cook for 5 more minutes until the soup thickens. Finally, season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your creamy broccoli cheese soup is ready to enjoy! To make this soup creamy, focus on blending well. After cooking the broccoli, blend it until smooth. If you like some chunks, just blend half. The heavy cream adds richness, while the shredded cheese brings a velvety finish. Use sharp cheddar for a richer flavor. Keep stirring as you add cheese; this helps it melt evenly. Add depth to your soup with spices. A touch of paprika brightens the flavor. If you want more heat, try a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also boost flavor. For a twist, squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness. You can swap ingredients to fit different diets. For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. If you're gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is safe. You can also use almond milk for a lighter soup. These swaps keep your soup delicious while meeting dietary needs. Pro Tips Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will provide the best flavor and texture, but if you're short on time, frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative that still works well in this recipe. Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is recommended for a rich flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist. Adjusting Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply reduce the amount of cornstarch slurry you add, or increase the vegetable broth for a lighter consistency. Herb Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil during the simmering stage, or sprinkle them on top before serving. {{image_2}} You can boost the soup's flavor and nutrition by adding protein. Cooked chicken or crispy bacon works great. If you use chicken, shred it and stir it in after blending. For bacon, cook it separately, crumble it, and add it on top before serving. Both options give the soup a savory kick. If you want a dairy-free or vegan soup, swap the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut cream or cashew cream for richness. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese and add a cheesy flavor. Always check the vegetable broth to ensure it’s vegan. This way, you keep the creamy texture while making it plant-based. Adding more veggies can enhance the soup. Try carrots, spinach, or cauliflower. Chop them small and add them when cooking the broccoli. This adds fiber and vitamins. For a spicier kick, toss in some chopped jalapeños. These extra veggies not only boost flavor but also make the soup more colorful and appealing. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour it into airtight containers. Make sure to seal them well to keep out air. Label the containers with the date. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, you can simply reheat it. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top since the soup will expand. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, take it out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you reheat the soup, do it slowly. Use a pot on low heat for even warming. Stir frequently to keep it creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. This helps bring back its nice texture. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir it gently to keep it creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water. To make this soup gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour. Cornstarch works well to thicken the soup. Make sure your vegetable broth is gluten-free too. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check the labels to be sure. This soup pairs great with many sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A light, green salad adds a nice crunch. You could also try it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal. For a fun twist, serve it in a bread bowl! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. We covered key ingredients like fresh broccoli, onion, garlic, broth, cream, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for sautéing, cooking, and blending. You learned tips for the perfect creamy texture, flavor boosts, and ingredient swaps. We also discussed fun variations and smart storage practices. Lastly, I answered your common questions. Enjoy making this comforting soup that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize!

Creamy Broccoli Cheese Bliss

A rich and creamy broccoli cheese soup that's perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

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, shredded
  • 1 cup cornstarch mixed with 1 cup cold water (slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the broccoli florets to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend just half and leave the rest as is.
  • Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir well. Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until melted and creamy.
  • Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Add salt, black pepper, and paprika. Adjust seasoning if needed, based on your taste preference.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword broccoli, cheese, creamy, soup