Okay, so, who else thinks there’s *nothing* quite like a big, warm bowl of soup on a chilly day? Seriously, comfort food is my absolute JAM, but sometimes… well, sometimes it’s a little heavy, you know? That’s where this *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)* comes in! It’s seriously the best of both worlds – all the creamy, cheesy, deliciousness you crave, but with a lighter, healthier twist. And trust me, it’s SO easy to make! Bonus: it’s totally vegetarian, so it’s a winner no matter what your diet is like.
I’ve always been obsessed with broccoli cheddar soup, like, since I was a kid. But I wanted something a little less… loaded with stuff, you know? After tons of recipe testing, this is the one! I’ve been cooking up healthy recipes for years now and this one is a real favorite. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, friends, let me tell you why this *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)* is going to become your new best friend. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, it’s so simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the stuff in your kitchen!
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Yum!
- Seriously Satisfying: Enough to fill you up and keep you happy.
- Healthier Hug: This version is way lighter than the usual stuff.
- Veggie Lover’s Dream: It’s totally vegetarian-friendly!
- Meal Prep Magic: Perfect for making a big batch and having lunch all week.
Ingredients for the Best *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Alright, so here’s what you need to make this magic happen! I always say fresh ingredients are key. They make such a difference, you’ll see!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because everything is better with garlic!)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (gotta control that salt!)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (I like the extra sharp!)
- 1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
See? Simple, right? You probably have most of it already! Ready to make some soup?
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so, here’s how to make this amazing soup. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, I promise! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be swimming in creamy, cheesy goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
- First things first, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Pop it on the stove over medium heat and pour in that 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook it for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to soften up and get all lovely and translucent.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook that for just about a minute until it smells all fragrant and amazing. Yep, garlic adds so much flavour!
- Toss in the broccoli florets, vegetable broth, shredded carrots, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything up.
- Now, bring that mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Or, until the broccoli is super tender.
- Here’s the fun part: carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. I LOVE using an immersion blender right in the pot. Makes it so easy to get a great consistency. Safety Tip: If you use a regular blender, let the soup cool off a bit first and only fill the blender halfway to avoid splatters!
- Now, pour the blended soup back into your pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or almond milk). Keep whisking until the cheese is totally melted and the soup is heated through. Do not let it boil!
- Serve it up immediately and garnish as you like. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra pinch of cheese is always a good idea. Enjoy!
See? Easy! You’ve got this!
Tips for Success with Your *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so, you’ve made the soup! Yay! Now, here are a few tips and tricks to make sure it’s absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, I’ve made this soup… a LOT!
First off, go for the good stuff! Seriously, the quality of your cheddar cheese makes a HUGE difference. I always use sharp cheddar, but experiment! See what you like! Next up: Season to your taste! I give you the measurements I like, but don’t be afraid to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a pinch of cayenne for a kick!
Oh, and make sure your broccoli is tender but not mushy. We want that nice texture. Finally, blend until it’s as creamy or chunky as you like! I like it SUPER smooth, but you do you!
My personal tip? Don’t overcook the onions at the beginning. You want them soft, not browned. Okay? You’ve got this!
Ingredient Notes and Possible Substitutions for *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, let’s talk about the stars of the show and what you can do if you need to make some swaps. Making the right choices can really make this soup POP!
Cheddar Cheese:
This is where the magic happens! I always recommend using a good, sharp cheddar. Seriously, it gives the best flavor. But hey, if you’re dairy-free or just want to try something new, a plant-based cheddar alternative works great! There are some really good ones out there now, trust me.
Broccoli:
Fresh broccoli florets are the goal here, because they have the best flavour and texture. But if you’re in a pinch, or just want to save time, you can totally use frozen broccoli! Just add it straight to the pot without thawing. Easy peasy!
Vegetable Broth:
Using low-sodium vegetable broth is a smart move. Trust me, it gives you way more control over the saltiness of the soup. I always taste and adjust the salt at the end. If you aren’t vegetarian, chicken broth works too! Your soup will be just as delish, the flavour will just be a little bit different.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips for *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so listen, sometimes you just don’t have time to cook, right? No worries! This soup is PERFECT for making ahead and stocking up. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver! Here’s the lowdown on how to make your life easier:
Fridge Storage:
You can keep this soup in the fridge for a good 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay perfectly delish. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. Easy as pie!
Freezer Power:
Want to make a HUGE batch? Freeze it! Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and it’ll last for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Boom! Instant comfort food!
See? Easy peasy! Now you always have something delicious on hand!
Variations to Spice Up Your *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so, you’ve got the basic recipe down, right? Awesome! Now it’s time to get creative. This soup is super adaptable, so don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own. That’s the best part of cooking, I think!
- Veggie Power: Try adding some cauliflower, extra carrots, or even a potato or two!
- Spice it Up: Throw in some dried thyme or oregano, maybe even a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper! But be careful – a little goes a long way.
- Creamy Dream: Swirl in a little heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end for extra richness. YUM!
Have fun with it! That’s the most important tip!
Serving Suggestions for *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so now you’ve got this amazing soup, right? But what do you serve with it? Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete! Trust me, these are all winners!
First off, you HAVE to have some crusty bread for dipping! A side salad is always a good idea, too. Or, hey, let’s get serious: grilled cheese sandwiches! Doesn’t that sound dreamy? And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a little extra oomph. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for *Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Healthy Version)*
Okay, so, here’s the deal: the nutritional info is just an estimate, and it can change depending on the ingredients and even the specific brands you use. It’s close, but just remember, it’s not set in stone, okay?
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Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A lighter take on classic broccoli cheddar soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli, vegetable broth, carrots, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender.
- Remove from heat. Carefully blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Return to the pot. Stir in cheddar cheese and milk until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch when cooking the onions.
- Garnish with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, healthy soup, vegetarian soup, broccoli soup recipe