When you think about comfort food, broccoli cheddar soup often comes to mind, and it's no surprise why. You've got the classic creamy version that warms you up on chilly days, but there are also exciting twists to investigate. Whether you prefer a slow cooker recipe for convenience or a healthier option that doesn't skimp on flavor, there's a variety to suit your taste. And if you're curious about how to spice things up or create a vegan delight, you might just find your new favorite dish among these top contenders.
Classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Classic Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that brings together the earthy flavors of broccoli and the rich, sharp taste of cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly days or as a satisfying lunch option, this soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a warm crusty bread.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious bowl of classic goodness that will warm your soul.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons for topping
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the broccoli florets, then pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and gradually add the cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted and combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with croutons if desired.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the soup while it simmers.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some broccoli florets before blending and add them back in after the cheese has melted.
This soup can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Just remember to reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.
Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheddar soup!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for chilly days. This easy recipe allows you to set it and forget it, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
With fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, this soup isn't only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty bowl of soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions:
In the slow cooker, combine the broccoli, onion, garlic, broth, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Extra Tips:
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the broccoli or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it further.
Finally, feel free to add cooked chicken or other vegetables for a heartier meal!
Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy meal or a quick lunch. This version uses low-fat ingredients without sacrificing flavor, ensuring you can enjoy a creamy and hearty soup without the guilt. Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh broccoli and fortified with the goodness of sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any preferred milk)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Then, stir in the broccoli florets and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
Return the blended soup to the pot, and stir in the almond milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For a thicker soup, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water before blending to create a creamier texture.
You can also improve the flavor by adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating other vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Enjoy your healthy broccoli cheddar soup with whole grain bread for a complete meal!
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delicious and creamy dish that captures the essence of traditional broccoli cheddar soup, but without any dairy products. This plant-based version uses cashews and nutritional yeast to create a rich, cheesy flavor that's both satisfying and nutritious.
Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the broccoli, making it a healthy choice for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the diced potato and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potato is tender.
Stir in the chopped broccoli and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the pot along with the nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. For added brightness, stir in lemon juice before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an even creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the broccoli and leave some florets whole for added texture.
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply reduce the amount of vegetable broth or blend in additional cashews.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as carrots or spinach, to improve the nutritional profile.
Additionally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat on the stove for a quick meal.
Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. This soup isn't only creamy and cheesy but also packed with nutritious broccoli and a spicy kick from the addition of jalapeños.
It's a wonderful option for chilly evenings or when you're in need of a warm and hearty meal. Plus, it can be made in under an hour, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the broccoli florets, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking over low heat until the cheese is fully melted.
Finally, add the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Extra Tips:
For an even spicier version, consider leaving some seeds in the jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some broccoli florets before blending and stir them back in after the soup is pureed.
You can also use different types of cheese, like pepper jack, for added heat and flavor. Serve the soup with crusty bread or a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for a cozy meal. Enjoy!