Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipes: Cheesy and Comforting

soup lovers! Are you ready to dive into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness? Today, we’re talkin’ about one of the all-time comfort food champions: Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Yep, that warm, cheesy delight that makes you feel all cozy inside. So, grab your favorite soup pot, and let’s get cookin’!

Why Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

First things first, why is Broccoli Cheddar Soup such a hit? Well, lemme tell ya, it’s the perfect blend of healthy and indulgent. You get all those nutritious benefits from broccoli (it’s packed with vitamins, folks!) while indulging in the rich, creamy goodness of cheddar cheese. It’s like eatin’ your veggies but in the most delicious way possible.

My First Encounter with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

I’ll never forget the first time I had Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I was at this cute little caf, and it was a chilly dayperfect soup weather, ya know? I took one spoonful, and I was hooked. It was like a warm hug in a bowl. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to perfect my own recipe. And now, I’m gonna share a few of my favorites with you!

Classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Let’s start with a classic. This recipe is pretty straightforward and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Add the broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender (careful, it’s hot!) to blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Cook until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Spicing Things Up: Jalapeo Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you’re like me and love a bit of a kick, this spicy version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is gonna be your new favorite. Imagine that creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy twistyum!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeos, seeded and chopped
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeos, and cook until the onions are soft.
2. Add the broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Heat until the cheese is melted.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of extra cheese and jalapeo slices if you’re feelin’ fancy!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a Twist: Adding Bacon

Who doesn’t love bacon, right? Adding crispy bacon to Broccoli Cheddar Soup takes it to a whole new level. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the onion and garlic and cook until soft.
3. Add the broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
4. Blend the soup until smooth.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and half of the cooked bacon. Heat until the cheese is melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining bacon and maybe a little extra cheese. Why not?

Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Yes, It’s Possible!

For all my vegan friends out there, don’t worry, I’ve got ya covered. This vegan version of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just as creamy and delicious. No dairy needed!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
2. Add the broccoli and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
3. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Blend the soup along with the cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk until smooth.
4. Return the soup to the pot and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and enjoy your dairy-free delight!

Extra Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Now that we’ve covered a few variations, let’s talk tips. Here are some tricks to make your Broccoli Cheddar Soup absolutely perfect:

• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
• Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gouda, anyone?
• Blending: If you like a chunkier soup, blend only half of it and leave some broccoli florets whole.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Croutons, extra cheese, a drizzle of cream, or even some chopped herbs.

Let’s Talk Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Broccoli Cheddar Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if its too thick.

Try It Out and Share Your Thoughts!

There ya have it, folks! A few delicious ways to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Whether you stick with the classic or spice things up a bit, I guarantee you’ll be coming back for seconds. Give these recipes a try and let me know how they turn out. Got any tips or tweaks of your own? Drop ’em in the comments below!

Happy cooking, y’all!