Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup

$- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Choose bright green florets that feel firm. Avoid any yellowing. - 1 medium onion, diced: Look for onions that are firm and heavy for their size. - 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Check for firm bulbs without sprouts. - 3 cups vegetable broth: Use low-sodium broth for more control over saltiness. - 1 cup heavy cream: Buy fresh cream for that rich, velvety texture. - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for block cheese that you shred yourself for better melting. - 1 teaspoon mustard powder: This adds a nice tang to your soup. - Salt and pepper to taste: Freshly ground pepper enhances flavor. - 2 tablespoons olive oil: A high-quality oil adds depth to the soup. - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish): Use fresh grated cheese for a better taste. - Fresh chives or parsley for garnish: These herbs add color and freshness to your bowl. When selecting fresh broccoli, look for florets that are tight and green. Avoid any wilted or yellowing pieces. For cheese, I recommend sharp cheddar for a robust flavor. The fresher the cheese, the creamier your soup will be! If you want to dive deeper into how to make this soup, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy creating your own creamy delight! To start, gather your ingredients for the Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes until it turns soft and clear. This brings out its sweet flavor. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this for another minute. You want to smell the garlic but not burn it. Now, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets along with 3 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the broccoli is tender. This step is key for a flavorful soup. After simmering, it's time to blend. If you have an immersion blender, use it right in the pot. Blend until the soup is smooth. If not, carefully pour the soup into a traditional blender in batches. Be careful, as the soup is hot! Once blended, return the soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat the soup on low until the cheese melts. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it now. For a nice finish, serve the soup in bowls. Top with 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley. This not only makes it look great but adds extra flavor too. If you want a full recipe, check out the link for Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup. To make the best Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup, avoid these common mistakes: - Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh broccoli and cheese. They bring out the best flavors. - Overcooking the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli until just tender. This keeps the vibrant color and nutrients. - Not Tasting as You Go: Taste your soup at each step. This helps you adjust flavors early. You need a few tools for better results: - Immersion Blender: This tool makes blending easy right in the pot. - Sharp Knife: A good knife helps chop veggies quickly and safely. - Large Pot: Use a pot that holds all the ingredients comfortably. Involve your kids in making this soup! Here are simple tasks for them: - Washing Broccoli: Kids can rinse the broccoli under cold water. - Measuring Ingredients: Let them measure out the broth and cheese. - Stirring the Pot: Give them a spoon to stir while you monitor. Make it a fun family activity by: - Creating a Soup Party: Let each family member pick a favorite topping. - Telling Stories: Share fun stories while cooking. This makes the time enjoyable. - Tasting Together: Sit down as a family and taste your creation. Celebrate your teamwork! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this soup for new tastes. Cheddar is classic, but you can try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Gruyère brings a nutty taste that many love. For a sharper kick, consider blue cheese or gouda. If you need a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, making it great for plant-based diets. Want to boost nutrition? Add more veggies! Carrots and cauliflower work well. Spinach or kale can add color and healthy greens. For protein, toss in cooked chicken, ham, or beans. These additions make your meal heartier. Don't forget spices! A pinch of cayenne brings heat, while thyme or basil adds freshness. A dash of paprika gives depth to the flavor. Herbs like parsley or chives make a lovely garnish too. These variations keep your soup exciting and full of flavor. Feel free to mix and match! For the full recipe, check out the link. To keep your broccoli cheese soup fresh, cool it first. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place your container in the refrigerator. The soup stays good for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it longer, freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave space for expansion. In the freezer, it lasts about 2-3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat your soup, you have a few good options. The best way is to use a pot on the stove. Pour the soup in and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. This method keeps the flavors bright and the texture creamy. You can also use the microwave. Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you warm it evenly. Remember, don’t boil the soup again, or it may separate. Enjoy your creamy delight! Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent spoilage and keeps the flavors intact. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. To prepare, follow the recipe steps and let the soup cool down. Then, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. This soup pairs well with many dishes. Consider serving it with crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. Grilled cheese sandwiches make a great side too. You can also add some crackers for a nice crunch. Each option enhances the creamy soup and makes it more filling. For a detailed cooking guide, check out the Full Recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup 🥦. In this article, we explored how to make Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup. We covered the ingredients you'll need and provided detailed steps for preparation and cooking. I shared tips for blending the cheese and adding final touches for flavor. Remember, cooking with kids can make it fun. You can also try different cheeses and add extra ingredients to match your taste. This soup is easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for meals ahead. With these tips, you can create a delicious soup that everyone will enjoy!$

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup with this easy recipe! Packed with fresh broccoli, rich cheddar, and a touch of garlic, this comforting soup warms the soul and delights the taste buds. Perfect for cozy nights or quick weeknight dinners, it's ready in just 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the fresh broccoli florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.

Once blended, return the soup to the pot (if using a regular blender). Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, stirring frequently.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in bowls, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings