Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bean

There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy, golden-green soup on a cool evening. This Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bean Soup is exactly that kind of dish — velvety, nourishing, and satisfying in every spoonful. Built on a foundation of tender broccoli florets, hearty cannellini beans, and sharp cheddar cheese, it delivers bold flavor without complexity. Aromatic onion, carrot, celery, and garlic create a savory base, while a touch of thyme and nutmeg round everything out beautifully. Whether you are cooking for the family on a weeknight or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup comes together in just 40 minutes and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

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What makes this soup truly special is how effortlessly it blends nutrition with indulgence. The cannellini beans melt right into the broth during blending, lending a silky body to the soup without any cream. The sharp cheddar then adds that unmistakable richness and depth, turning a simple vegetable soup into something truly luxurious. It is the kind of recipe that feels like a treat while quietly doing good things for your body. Serve it with a slice of crusty whole grain bread, and you have a complete, balanced meal that hits every note — warm, savory, hearty, and bright.

Ingredients

• Vegetables:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head), chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
• Beans:
  • 2 cups (1 can, 15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Liquids:
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk for vegan option)
• Cheese:
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (use plant-based cheese for vegan option)
• Seasonings:
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2 — Add the garlic

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3 — Add the broccoli

Stir in broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes.

Step 4 — Simmer with beans and broth

Add cannellini beans and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Step 5 — Blend until smooth

Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (Alternatively, blend in batches in a blender, then return to the pot.)

Step 6 — Stir in the dairy and seasonings

Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Return to low heat and stir until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.

Step 7 — Season and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or steamed broccoli florets if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für eine besonders reichhaltige Konsistenz kannst du kurz vor dem Servieren einen Spritzer Sahne oder einen Löffel griechischen Joghurt unterrühren. Wenn du eine extra cremige Textur bevorzugst, stelle sicher, dass alle Gemüse vollständig weich gegart sind, bevor du mit dem Pürieren beginnst. Für zusätzlichen Ballaststoffgehalt kannst du vor dem Pürieren eine halbe Tasse gekochten Quinoa oder braunen Reis einrühren. Achte beim Kauf von Brühe und Käse auf die Zutatenliste, falls du auf Gluten oder Soja sensibel reagierst.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Suppe lässt sich wunderbar anpassen. Für eine vegane Version ersetze einfach die Milch durch ungesüßte pflanzliche Milch und den Cheddar durch pflanzlichen Käse — die Cremigkeit bleibt vollständig erhalten. Du kannst auch verschiedene Käsesorten ausprobieren, etwa Gruyère für einen nussigeren Geschmack. Für eine proteinreichere Variante füge gewürfelte weiße Bohnen zusätzlich hinzu oder rühre nach dem Pürieren etwas Hüttenkäse unter. Wer es herzhafter mag, kann auch eine Prise Chiliflocken oder geräuchertes Paprikapulver ergänzen.

Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.

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Serviervorschläge

Diese Suppe eignet sich hervorragend als vollständige Mahlzeit, besonders wenn sie mit knusprigem Vollkornbrot serviert wird. Garniere jeden Teller mit einer Handvoll frisch geriebenem Cheddar und einigen gedämpften Brokkoliröschen für einen ansprechenden Kontrast aus Farbe und Textur. Ein leichter grüner Salat an der Seite macht das Mittag- oder Abendessen perfekt. Die Suppe lässt sich auch hervorragend vorbereiten — im Kühlschrank hält sie bis zu vier Tage, und eingefroren sogar bis zu drei Monate.

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This Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. It is nourishing enough to feel virtuous, rich enough to feel indulgent, and simple enough to make on any busy weeknight. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and one large pot, you can create a bowl of pure comfort that the whole family will love. Whether you enjoy it piping hot straight from the stove or reheated the next day for lunch, every spoonful delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction. Make it once, and it will become a staple you return to again and again.

Answers to Recipe Questions

→ How do I make this soup vegan?

Replace dairy milk and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives to enjoy a vegan-friendly version without compromising creaminess.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s tender before pureeing.

→ What is the best way to achieve a creamy texture?

Puree the cooked ingredients using an immersion blender or countertop blender until smooth, adding milk gradually for desired creaminess.

→ Can I add other vegetables for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Vegetables like zucchini or spinach can enhance flavor and nutrition without overpowering the base ingredients.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.

→ Is this soup suitable for a high-fiber diet?

Yes, the combination of broccoli, cannellini beans, and vegetables provides a rich source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.