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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon thyme (can be dried or fresh) - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - Salt to taste - Optional: Croutons or slices of toasted bread for serving Gather these ingredients for a rich and creamy soup. Each one plays a key role in the flavor and texture. The olive oil starts the base with a lovely sheen. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma. Fresh broccoli gives a vibrant green color and health benefits. Carrots bring a hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors. The vegetable broth forms the soup's heart, making it warm and filling. Thyme and black pepper give it a fragrant kick. Heavy cream adds that velvety consistency we crave, while cheddar cheese makes it extra indulgent. Don't forget to season with salt to enhance the taste. If you like, add croutons or toasted bread for that perfect crunch. For the full recipe, you can refer to the detailed instructions. Enjoy making this easy and delicious dish! 1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Once hot, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. 3. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic smells great. 1. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets and 2 diced carrots into the pot. 2. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. 3. After boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. Cook until the veggies are tender. 1. Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. 2. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular blender. Just be careful with hot liquids. 3. After blending, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. 1. Gradually mix in 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it melts fully. 2. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. 3. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can add croutons or slices of toasted bread for a tasty touch. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a creamy, comforting soup! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get that smooth, creamy feel in your soup, I suggest using an immersion blender. It makes blending easy and keeps the soup warm. Just blend until it's nice and velvety. Be careful not to overcook your vegetables. If they turn mushy, they lose their shape and fresh taste. Cook them just until they are tender but still bright. To boost flavor, try adding spices or herbs. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. Fresh or dried thyme makes the soup aromatic. For cheese, sharp cheddar works best for a rich taste. You can also mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a twist. Each cheese adds its own unique flavor. Get creative with toppings! A sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs can elevate the dish. You might also add croutons for crunch. Serving the soup with crusty bread or crunchy crackers is a great idea. They soak up the soup and add texture. For the best experience, enjoy your soup in deep bowls that showcase its creamy goodness. Don’t forget the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} Making it vegan-friendly You can easily make this soup vegan. Start by swapping heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegan cheese to keep it cheesy and creamy. Instead of vegetable broth, you can use homemade vegetable stock for added flavor. Gluten-free options This soup is naturally gluten-free. Just check the labels on your broth and cheese to ensure they are gluten-free. If you want to thicken the soup, use cornstarch mixed with water instead of flour. Adding other vegetables You can mix in other veggies for extra taste. Cauliflower adds creaminess, while potatoes give a hearty feel. Try adding spinach or kale for a boost of color and nutrients. Each vegetable changes the flavor in a fun way. Introducing spices and seasonings Spices can make your soup pop! Try adding paprika for a smoky kick or nutmeg for warmth. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up, too! Experiment until you find your perfect blend. Substituting with other cheese types If you want to change the cheese, there are many options. Gruyère or gouda can add a different taste. You can also use cream cheese for extra creaminess. Combining cheeses for unique flavor profiles Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor. Combine sharp cheddar with mozzarella for a stretchy texture. A mix of blue cheese and cheddar can add a bold taste. Try different combinations to find your favorite! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. After making your creamy broccoli cheddar soup, let it cool. Pour the soup into airtight containers. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, keep it sealed tight. Freezing the soup is easy. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove. Stir in a bit more cream to keep it creamy. You can prepare the soup in advance. Make a big batch on the weekend. Portion it into single servings for quick meals. This makes lunch or dinner easy during a busy week. Just grab a bowl, heat it up, and enjoy! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it first. Frozen broccoli cooks faster, so keep an eye on it while cooking. How can I make the soup thicker? To thicken the soup, you can add more cheese or blend in some cooked potatoes. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry for a quick fix. What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or croutons. You can also try it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy meal. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream? You can use low-fat cream, but the soup may not be as rich. Heavy cream gives a creamier texture and better flavor. What other vegetables can I add for more nutrition? You can add spinach, cauliflower, or even peas. These veggies add nutrition and color, making the soup even better. What to do if the soup is too salty? If the soup is too salty, add a peeled potato while cooking. The potato absorbs the salt, and you can remove it later. How to fix a separation in the soup? If the soup separates, blend it again until smooth. You can also whisk in a bit more cream to help it come back together. Tips for adjusting flavors if needed Taste the soup before serving. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice. Overview of calories and serving size One serving of this soup has about 300 calories. This recipe makes 4-6 servings, so share it with friends or save some for later. Health benefits of the main ingredients Broccoli is high in vitamins K and C, which help boost your immune system. Cheddar cheese provides calcium for strong bones. Together, they make a tasty and nutritious meal. In this article, we covered how to make creamy broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed the essential ingredients and provided a step-by-step guide for preparation. I shared tips for perfecting the texture and enhancing flavor, along with variations for dietary needs. Proper storage methods help maintain freshness. Try out different ingredient options to make this soup your own. With these easy steps, you can enjoy a warm, delicious bowl anytime.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with this deliciously creamy broccoli cheddar soup! This easy recipe combines fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of thyme to create a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any day. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. Don’t miss out on the perfect blend of flavors and textures! Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

4 cups vegetable broth

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon thyme (can be dried or fresh)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Salt to taste

Optional: Croutons or slices of toasted bread for serving

Instructions
 

In a spacious pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Incorporate the broccoli florets and diced carrots into the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. After boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

        When the vegetables are cooked, use an immersion blender to carefully puree the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. (If using a traditional blender, transfer the soup in batches while being cautious of the hot liquid.)

          Place the pot over low heat again and stir in the thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and heavy cream. Allow the soup to warm through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

            Gradually blend in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing continuously until it is fully melted and integrated into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

              Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with croutons or accompanied by slices of toasted bread for a fulfilling meal.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in deep bowls, topped with a sprinkling of extra shredded cheese and a few small fresh broccoli florets for a vibrant presentation. For an elegant flourish, consider adding a delicate drizzle of olive oil over the surface.