The aroma of bubbling cheese mingled with fresh broccoli wafts through the air, promising a warm embrace in every spoonful of One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Imagine a creamy concoction so rich that it feels like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, inviting you to indulge without any guilt—because, let’s face it, this soup is practically a health food, right? For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.
I remember the first time I made this soup. It was one of those dreary, rainy days where even the sun was too lazy to shine. I decided to whip up something that would brighten my mood—and what better than a bowl full of cheesy goodness? The kitchen filled with laughter as my kids fought over who got to stir the pot (spoiler: it ended in chaos). Now, this delightful dish has become our family’s go-to for cozy nights and impromptu gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is incredibly easy to make, letting you focus on enjoying the flavors instead of fussing over complicated steps.
- It boasts a velvety texture combined with a cheesy goodness that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Its vibrant green color makes it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as a light meal or paired with crusty bread for a hearty feast!
Ingredients for One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Broccoli: Use about 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets; they should be bright green and tender for optimum flavor.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely to ensure even cooking.
- Garlic: About 3 cloves of minced garlic will add aromatic goodness; fresh is always best!
- Carrots: Use one large carrot, diced into small pieces for sweetness and color contrast in your soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Four cups provide the base flavor; choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Adding about one cup makes this soup luxuriously creamy; feel free to substitute with half-and-half for fewer calories.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Three cups shredded cheddar are essential for that gooey, cheesy finish—grate your own for best results!
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; they are the dynamic duo that brings all flavors together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Stir in the diced carrots and broccoli florets. Let them mingle with the aromatics for another five minutes, allowing their natural sweetness to develop.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Pour four cups of vegetable broth into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Once cooked, use an immersion blender (or transfer batches into a regular blender) to purée the mixture until smooth. If you prefer some texture, leave some chunks of broccoli intact.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Return the blended soup to low heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream followed by three cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into creamy perfection.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, season with salt and pepper according to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot—perhaps with some crusty bread on the side if you’re feeling fancy!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it—the ultimate comfort food wrapped up in your very own kitchen! With each spoonful of this One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll feel like you’ve been hugged by warmth itself while also gaining instant culinary superhero status among family and friends. Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe.
You Must Know
- This creamy One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food.
- It’s quick to make and has all the flavors you crave, making it perfect for chilly evenings or surprise guests.
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli and broth. Simmer until tender before stirring in cheese for that gooey goodness. Finish with cream for richness, and voilà—perfect soup!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or add some carrots for a pop of color. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do it slowly on the stovetop to prevent separation of ingredients and maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Blend your broccoli before adding cheese for an ultra-smooth texture that kids will love.
- Use fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded; it melts better!
- Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end to suit your palate.
I once made this One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a gathering, and it disappeared faster than I could ladle it out! Everyone was asking for the recipe—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
To make a delicious One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you will need fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and cream. Additionally, you can include seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Olive oil or butter serves as the base for sautéing the onions and garlic. This simple combination creates a rich and creamy soup that is both satisfying and nutritious.
How long does it take to prepare One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Preparing One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is quick and easy. The total time required is about 30 minutes. You will spend around 10 minutes chopping vegetables and preparing your ingredients. Cooking the soup takes approximately 20 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Can I customize my One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Absolutely! You can customize your One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra texture and nutrients. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken or croutons on top before serving. comforting chicken soup For a healthier version, substitute half-and-half with almond milk or omit it altogether. hashbrown chicken casserole Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Storing leftover One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is easy! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cheese. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion for One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup :
One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish in minimal time. With fresh ingredients like broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe delivers rich flavors while being easily customizable. cozy sweet potato bowl Ideal for busy evenings or cozy gatherings, this soup provides comfort in every bowl. Don’t forget the tips on storage and preparation time to ensure your cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable!
One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This creamy, cheesy delight combines fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese into a velvety concoction that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for chilly evenings or surprise gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Indulge in a cozy bowl of goodness that not only nourishes but also brings family and friends together.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in diced carrots and broccoli florets; cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Return the blended soup to low heat; stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper, serve hot with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or omit it altogether. - Feel free to add other veggies like cauliflower or potatoes for added texture. - Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.