Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Sharp cheddar and cream transforms broccoli into a rich and decadent soup, making this dish a favorite of picky kids and adults alike. Just microwave all of the ingredients together and blend until the desired consistency is achieved. Looking to prep ahead? Use Anytime Trays to store 1/2 cup portions of leftover soup! To reheat, place a frozen portion into a Small Dish and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Anytime Freezer Tray Set
Ingredients
- ½ cup (45g) shredded carrots
- 2 cups (130g) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup (30g) yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1¼ cup (225ml) chicken or vegetable stock
- ¾ cup (160ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup (3oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Preparation
- Place the carrot, broccoli, onion, garlic powder, and butter in an Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked and soft when pierced with a fork.
- Add the stock, half-and-half or cream, and salt and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes, or until the liquid begins to bubble.
- Carefully transfer the ingredients into a blender and add the cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth and emulsified, about 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Sour cream topping: Add a dollop of sour cream for an extra velvety and creamy texture.
- Lemon squeeze: Serve with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
- Crispy bacon topping: Top with chopped crispy bacon for a more indulgent and savory twist.
- Feta substitution: Substitute feta or any cheese of your choice, and add your favorite herbs for a personalized flavor.
- Discover more broccoli recipes by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Save Time with Anytime Trays: Allow soup to cool completely, about 10-15 minutes. Portion sauce evenly into the Anytime Trays, cover with a lid, and freeze.
- Careful! This soup can get very hot in the microwave. Be sure to use caution when transferring the soup to the blender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the Anyday Deep Dish.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the Microwave
What is broccoli cheddar soup?
Broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines broccoli florets with rich, sharp cheddar cheese~~, creating a comforting and satisfying meal~~. Fresh or frozen broccoli can be used, making it a versatile recipe for any season. The addition of heavy cream or half-and-half adds a creamy texture, while the sharp cheddar melts perfectly into the soup, giving it a tangy richness.
Can I cook broccoli cheddar soup in the microwave?
Yes! You can easily cook broccoli cheddar soup in the microwave using an Anyday dish. The Anyday lid helps steam the vegetables while keeping their vibrant colors and nutrients. Once the vegetables are fully cooked, blend everything together with the cheese and cream to your desired consistency. Discover more microwave-friendly soup recipes by exploring our collection **here!**
Why do I cook the vegetables first when making Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Cooking the vegetables in the microwave first helps to soften them, making it easier to blend them into a smooth, creamy consistency. This step also helps to release and enhance the flavors of the onion, garlic, and broccoli, resulting in a more flavorful soup.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli in this recipe. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it first—the microwave will cook the broccoli perfectly.
Can I make broccoli cheddar soup lactose-free?
Yes, you can make a lactose-free version of broccoli cheddar soup! Simply substitute the heavy cream or half-and-half with a lactose-free cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or oat milk. For the cheddar cheese, use a lactose-free or plant-based cheese. These substitutions will still give you a creamy, flavorful soup without the lactose.
How long does broccoli cheddar soup last in the refrigerator?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be stored in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to reheat, microwave the soup with the lid on for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Can I freeze broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes, you can freeze broccoli cheddar soup! Use our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to portion the soup and store in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen portions in an Anyday dish in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until heated through. Discover more about freezing and reheating with Anyday by exploring our blog here!
What’s the best way to reheat broccoli cheddar soup?
The best way to reheat broccoli cheddar soup is in the microwave using an Anyday dish. If reheating from the fridge, cover the dish with the lid and microwave for 1-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For frozen portions, microwave the soup for 1-2 minutes per portion until heated through.
