Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Bean

There are soups that warm you from the inside out, and then there is this Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bean Soup — a velvety, nutrient-rich bowl of comfort that brings together the earthy goodness of broccoli, the hearty creaminess of cannellini beans, and the bold sharpness of cheddar cheese. Aromatic onion, carrot, celery, and garlic form a fragrant base, while a touch of thyme and a whisper of nutmeg elevate every spoonful into something truly satisfying. Whether you are looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a soul-warming lunch, this easy American-inspired soup delivers high fiber, wholesome ingredients, and a gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly profile — all in just 40 minutes.

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What makes this soup stand apart is the clever use of cannellini beans as both a protein source and a natural thickener. When blended together with broccoli and broth, the beans create that signature creamy body without the need for heavy cream or a flour-based roux. The sharp cheddar is stirred in off the heat, melting into silky ribbons of cheesy richness, while milk adds a gentle, rounded softness to the finish. Every bowl is a balanced, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet remains deeply nourishing.

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: 1½ 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)

Vacuum seal ingredients and leftovers to keep food fresh longer and simplify meal prep.

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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 garlic

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3 — Add 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 the soup

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 — Add cheese and dairy

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 ein besonders cremiges Ergebnis empfiehlt es sich, den Käse erst nach dem Pürieren und abseits der direkten Hitze einzurühren — so schmilzt er gleichmäßig und bildet keine Klumpen. Wer den Käse vorher reibt, anstatt ihn fertig gerieben zu kaufen, profitiert von einem intensiveren Schmelz und einem vollmundigeren Aroma. Außerdem sollte die Brühe möglichst natriumarm sein, damit das Salz am Ende gezielt angepasst werden kann. Ein kurzes Abschmecken vor dem Servieren ist entscheidend, da Käse und Brühe bereits Salz mitbringen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Suppe lässt sich auf vielfältige Weise anpassen. Für eine vegane Variante werden pflanzliche Milch und pflanzlicher Käse verwendet. Wer mehr Ballaststoffe wünscht, kann vor dem Pürieren ½ Tasse gekochten Quinoa oder braunen Reis einrühren. Für zusätzliche Fülle sorgt ein Spritzer Sahne oder ein Löffel griechischer Joghurt direkt vor dem Servieren. Die Suppe schmeckt auch hervorragend mit anderen weißen Bohnen wie Butter Beans oder Great Northern Beans, falls keine Cannellini Bohnen zur Hand sind.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bean Soup passt hervorragend zu knusprigem Vollkornbrot, das die cremige Textur der Suppe perfekt ergänzt. Für eine elegantere Präsentation kann die Suppe mit einem kleinen Häufchen geriebenem Cheddar, einigen gedämpften Brokkoliröschen und einer Prise frisch gemahlenem schwarzem Pfeffer garniert werden. Als leichtes Hauptgericht reichen 4 Portionen, als Vorspeise oder Beilage lässt sich die Menge entsprechend aufteilen. Die Suppe lässt sich auch hervorragend vorbereiten und schmeckt am nächsten Tag — nach kurzem Aufwärmen bei niedriger Hitze — noch intensiver.

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This Creamy Broccoli and Cheddar Bean Soup is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. It is fast enough for a busy weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and flexible enough to accommodate almost any dietary preference. With just 315 calories per serving and a satisfying 17 grams of protein, it proves that comfort food and wholesome nutrition are not mutually exclusive. Ladle it up, garnish generously, and let every spoonful remind you that the simplest ingredients, treated with a little care, can produce something truly extraordinary.

Perfect for baking small heart-shaped cakes, brownies, and quiches for intimate celebrations and sweet homemade desserts.

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Common Questions

→ Can I substitute cheddar cheese in this dish?

Yes, plant-based cheese works well to maintain creaminess, especially for vegan preferences.

→ What is the best way to puree the soup smoothly?

Using an immersion blender directly in the pot offers convenience, but a countertop blender can also yield smooth results when pureeing in batches.

→ How can I add more fiber to this dish?

Adding cooked quinoa or brown rice before pureeing boosts fiber content naturally without altering flavor much.

→ Is it possible to prepare this with plant-based milk?

Yes, unsweetened plant-based milk can replace dairy milk to suit vegan diets and maintain creamy texture.

→ What seasonings enhance the flavor in this blend?

Dried thyme, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg add aromatic depth and balance the richness of cheddar and beans.