Total Time: 30 minutes
## Introduction
Welcome to this delicious, comforting recipe of The Easiest, Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup that only takes 30 minutes to prepare. This recipe is an absolute comfort food gamechanger that brings together the crisp freshness of broccoli with the richness of sharp cheddar in a delightful harmony that your taste buds will thank you for.
## Why Make This Recipe
This Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe is incredibly simple and straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. It contains nutritious ingredients, such as broccoli which is high in vitamins, and cheddar cheese which is a good source of protein. Plus, it’s a delicious way to get your daily serving of vegetables.
## How to Make The Easiest, Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup
## Ingredients:
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper, to taste
## Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onion, saute until fragrant and translucent for around 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli florets to the pot, follow this with the broth. Simmer and cook until the broccoli is tender, this will take about 10 minutes.
4. Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth or to your desired consistency.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese while cooking on low heat. Continue cooking until the cheese completely melts and the soup is creamy, stirring occasionally.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve hot, and garnish with extra cheese if you prefer.
## How to Serve The Easiest, Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serve this delightful soup hot, straight off the stove, garnished with an extra sprinkle of cheese for added flavor and richness. It pairs well with crusty bread or your favorite type of crackers. Soup and bread are a time-tested match that perfectly complements the creaminess of this soup.
## How to Store The Easiest, Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Once the soup has cooled down, you can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low-to-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
## Tips to Make The Easiest, Creamiest Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you want your soup to have a bit more texture, you can set aside some broccoli florets before blending, then add them back into the soup after blending. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preferences, more cheese for creamier texture or less for a lighter version.
## Variations
If you want to add a touch of something extra to your soup, consider adding additional vegetables such as carrots or cauliflower. Alternatively, for a flavor kick, consider adding a bit of your favorite spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper.
## FAQs
1. Q: Can this soup be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time, store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, and then heat it up when you are ready to serve.
2. Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze dairy-based soups as they tend to separate upon thawing. However, the soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
3. Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese. However, cheddar works best for this recipe due to its sharp, rich flavor and great melting properties.