Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

$- 4 cups broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 medium carrots, diced - 1 cup cauliflower florets - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) - Salt to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this healthy broccoli cheddar soup, I use fresh and simple ingredients. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. If you want to make it lighter, try low-fat cheese or non-dairy milk. You can also use vegetable broth made from low-sodium cubes. This keeps the soup tasty without added salt. Broccoli is a superfood. It has vitamins C and K, which support your immune system and bones. Carrots add beta-carotene, good for your eyes. Cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber. This soup provides a balance of nutrients that keep you feeling great. By using fresh ingredients, you create a healthy and satisfying dish. Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy goodness! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing the aromatics Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes until it turns soft. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for another minute until the garlic smells great. 2. Cooking and simmering the vegetables Next, stir in 4 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cauliflower florets, and 2 diced medium carrots. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes. Then, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mix to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want all the veggies to be tender. 3. Blending and incorporating cheese Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth. If you don’t have one, transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blend until creamy. Return the soup to the pot over low heat. Now, stir in 1 cup of milk and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and combines well. Finally, taste and add salt if needed. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring now and then. Serve hot, and if you like, add some fresh chopped parsley on top for color. - Low-fat cheese options: Use low-fat cheddar to cut calories and fat. You can also try mozzarella or a blend of both. This keeps the cheese flavor while making it lighter. - Incorporating spices for flavor without calories: Add spices like paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg. These can give your soup a kick without extra calories. Herbs like basil or oregano can also enhance flavor easily. - Adjusting consistency to preference: If you like a thicker soup, add less broth or more veggies. For a thinner soup, simply add more broth or milk. Blend to your liking. Try these tips to make your soup even better! Pro Tips Fresh Vegetables: Using fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup. Immersion Blender: An immersion blender is great for pureeing soups directly in the pot, making cleanup easier. Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile. Storage Tips: This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat and enjoy! {{image_2}} You can make this broccoli cheddar soup even more fun by adding different veggies. Spinach or kale works well. Both add great color and nutrition. Just toss in a couple of cups during cooking. They will wilt down and blend in nicely. Root vegetables are another great choice. Try adding diced sweet potatoes or parsnips. They add a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Just chop them small and add them when you cook the other veggies. You can also spice things up with different flavors. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños. For a warm flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cumin. These spices make the soup even more comforting. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables and spices. This soup is all about making it your own! To keep your soup fresh, follow these simple steps. First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows the soup to expand as it freezes. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is key. For best results, use the stovetop. Pour the soup into a pot over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If it seems thick, add a splash of water or broth. This helps it regain its creamy texture. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly without overcooking. Enjoy your delicious soup anytime! Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free. Use a dairy-free milk, like almond or oat milk. For cheese, try a vegan cheese that melts well. This way, you still enjoy a creamy texture without dairy. How can I thicken the soup without cream? To thicken the soup without cream, use pureed vegetables. After cooking, blend some of the soup until smooth. You can also add more broccoli or cauliflower, which helps thicken naturally. What are the health benefits of broccoli? Broccoli is a superfood packed with vitamins. It has vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These nutrients support your immune system and help digestion. Eating broccoli may lower the risk of chronic diseases, too. It’s a great choice for a healthy diet. This blog post covered how to make a healthy broccoli cheddar soup. We discussed the key ingredients, their benefits, and tasty substitutes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to guide you through the process. You learned helpful tips to make the soup even healthier and variations you can try. I also provided best practices for storing leftovers and answered common questions. Healthy cooking can be simple and fun. Enjoy creating your own version of this comforting dish!$

Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Discover the ultimate creamy broccoli cheddar soup that’s both healthy and delicious! This easy broccoli soup features fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, and vibrant veggies for a nourishing vegetable soup with cheese everyone will love. Perfect for cozy nights, this broccoli cheddar recipe is a must-try. Save this recipe for a healthy creamy soup that warms the soul! #BroccoliCheddarSoup #HealthyRecipes #VegetableSoup #EasySoup

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Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cups vegetable broth

2 medium carrots, diced

1 cup cauliflower florets

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

Salt to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Stir in the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Pour in the vegetable broth and add thyme and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender.

Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth, or transfer to a blender (in batches if necessary) and blend until creamy.

Return the soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Season with salt to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4