Indulge in Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Bliss Recipe Today

Blending creamy cheddar with tender broccoli creates a mouthwatering comfort dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of this classic combination.

Countless memories swirl around warm, gooey recipes like this one.

Childhood dinner tables come alive with memories of green florets nestled in rich, melted goodness.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can become something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of sharp cheese and nutritious vegetables.

This recipe will make you the star of any meal.

Dive in and savor every delicious spoonful!

Broccoli Cheddar Bliss Highlights You’ll Love

• Swap ingredients or add personal twists like crispy bacon bits, croutons, or a dollop of sour cream to suit individual tastes.
• Packed with broccoli's vitamins and protein-rich cheese, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dirty dishes.

What Goes Into Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

• Broccoli: A vibrant green vegetable that provides a hearty base and nutritional boost to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that build a delicious foundation for the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a smooth and creamy roux base.
• Broth, Milk: Liquids that provide moisture and help develop the soup's consistent texture.

Cooking Broccoli Cheddar Bliss Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Green Goodness

Tackle your broccoli by thoroughly rinsing it under cool water.

Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re roughly uniform for even cooking.

Place the prepared broccoli to the side.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot over medium warmth.

Drop in butter and let it melt completely.

Introduce chopped onions and dance them around until they become translucent and soft.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick moment, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 3: Create the Magical Thickening Agent

Shower the flour over your onion and garlic mixture.

Stir enthusiastically to coat everything evenly.

Let this blend toast and develop a nutty fragrance for a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

• Vegetable broth
• Whole milk

Whisk continuously to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Keep stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth and starts to bubble gently.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetable Stars

Slide the broccoli florets into the simmering liquid.

Allow everything to bubble and dance together for 15-20 minutes.

The broccoli should become tender but still maintain a vibrant green color.

Step 6: Transform into Creamy Perfection

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a velvety dream.

If using a standard blender, carefully transfer in batches and return to the pot.

Step 7: Cheese Infusion Magic

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely.

Season with salt, black pepper, and a whisper of cayenne for optional heat.

Step 8: Serve with Love

Ladle the luscious soup into waiting bowls.

Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy immediately while it’s steaming and irresistible.

Broccoli Cheddar Bliss Prep Tips That Help

• Chop florets uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Cook flour and butter mixture slowly to eliminate raw flour taste and create a rich, smooth base for the soup.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheddar to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
• Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and smoother consistency, avoiding potential splatters from transferring hot soup.
• Enhance soup with a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg for added depth and complexity.

Smart Storage Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for longer periods as texture might change.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 2-3 minutes total.

Best Pairings for Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the creamy soup's richness, offering a refreshing contrast that elevates the broccoli and cheddar flavors.
• Complement with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Toasted slices provide a perfect crunchy texture to dip into the smooth, cheesy soup, absorbing the delicious broth and adding satisfying contrast.
• Match with Roasted Almond Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, roasted almonds, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy intensity and add nutritional variety.
• Serve with Chilled Apple Slaw: Prepare a crisp apple and cabbage slaw with a light lemon dressing to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the soup's richness and provides textural contrast.

Tasty Add-Ons for Broccoli Cheddar Bliss

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace broccoli with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Substitute milk with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
• Protein-Packed Green Soup: Add cooked chicken or white beans to increase protein content, creating a more substantial meal that keeps you fuller longer.
• Herb-Infused Gourmet Style: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the sautéing stage to elevate the soup's complexity and add an aromatic dimension.

FAQs

• What makes the roux important in this recipe?

The roux (flour and butter mixture) helps thicken the soup, creating a creamy texture and providing a rich base that helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding to the soup to maintain the right consistency.

• How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy when melting?

Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gradually. This helps cheese melt smoothly without separating or becoming stringy.

• Is an immersion blender necessary for this recipe?

No, a regular blender works fine. Just blend in small batches and be careful when transferring hot soup to prevent splashing.

Broccoli Cheddar Bliss Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cheddar bliss delivers comfort with each delightful spoonful, melding rich cheese and tender green florets into a satisfying meal. Hearty flavors and smooth textures invite you to savor this classic soup that warms from within.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Dairy:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

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Instructions

1. Cleanse fresh broccoli and fragment into delicate florets, preparing them for culinary transformation.
2. Activate a substantial cooking vessel and melt butter over moderate thermal intensity, allowing golden liquefaction.
3. Introduce finely chopped onion into melted butter, transforming them to translucent perfection within 5-7 minutes while continuously stirring.
4. Infuse minced garlic into the aromatic mixture, allowing its essence to permeate for approximately one minute.
5. Dust flour across the vegetable foundation, whisking meticulously to construct a robust roux with smooth consistency.
6. Progressively integrate broth and milk, eliminating potential luminary interruptions through consistent whisking techniques.
7. Elevate liquid temperature until gentle simmering commences, creating an inviting culinary environment.
8. Immerse broccoli fragments into the simmering liquid, allowing tender transformation for 15-20 minutes.
9. Utilize immersion blender to pulverize soup into velvety submission, ensuring uniform texture throughout.
10. Incorporate shredded cheddar, stirring until complete melding occurs and creating luxurious creamy consistency.
11. Season with precise salt, pepper, and optional cayenne measurements to heighten flavor complexity.
12. Transfer into serving vessels, presenting steaming hot for immediate gastronomic pleasure.

Notes

• Perfectly steam broccoli first to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking during soup preparation.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for deeper, more robust flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Consider using low-fat milk or dairy alternatives like almond milk for a lighter, health-conscious version of the soup.
• Garnish with extra cheese shreds, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives to add texture and visual appeal to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 60mg