Imagine coming home after a long day to a comforting, creamy soup brimming with vibrant broccoli and the irresistible allure of cheddar cheese. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds on even the busiest of days
Greetings, busy parents! Today, we’re diving into the world of culinary convenience with our Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal. Imagine coming home after a long day to a comforting, creamy soup brimming with vibrant broccoli and the irresistible allure of cheddar cheese.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds on even the busiest of days, and guess what? You can have this cozy experience whenever you please, all thanks to this ingenious freezer meal. Say farewell to those frantic evenings of last-minute cooking and say hello to the simplicity and scrumptiousness of make-ahead meals.
Imagine your freezer stocked with containers of this hearty Broccoli Cheddar Soup, ready to rescue you from mealtime dilemmas. Then imagine that you are sitting in your cozy home, enjoying this delicious soup.
Whether you’re a superhero parent yearning for more quality moments with your family or a culinary adventurer seeking a quick yet immensely flavorful dinner option, this freezer meal is your trusty sidekick. It’s here to make your life both tastier and simpler, all while ensuring that the delightful aroma of homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup fills your kitchen whenever you need it.
Why you’ll Love this Homemade Freezer Friendly Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
No Preservatives
Customizable
Portion Control
Kid-Friendly
Budget-Friendly
Convenience
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Hannah Stewart
Imagine coming home after a long day to a comforting, creamy soup brimming with vibrant broccoli and the irresistible allure of cheddar cheese. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds on even the busiest of days
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except broth, cheese, and heavy cream, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions
No need to thaw, meal can go straight from freezer to slow cooker.
Dump contents of gallon freezer bag, plus 4 cups broth, into slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
During the last 30 minutes of cook time, stir in sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stir, serve, and enjoy!
Instant Pot Directions
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 4 cups chicken broth.
Set to High Pressure for 6 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Turn on the “Sauté” function to low heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Stiring until cheese is melted and heavy cream is fully combined.
Stir, serve, and enjoy!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
Ensure your broth is gluten-free and use gluten-free flour.
Make it Dairy-Free:
Use dairy-free cheddar cheese and dairy-free butter.
*Make sure you buy block cheese and shred. If you purchase pre-shredded cheese the anti-caking agents will prevent your cheese from melting properly in the soup.
Vegetable Broth for Chicken Broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. This swap maintains the soup’s rich flavor while making it suitable for vegetarians.
Almond Milk for Coconut Milk: For a lighter, dairy-free option, you can use unsweetened almond milk instead of coconut milk. It will provide a creamy texture without the coconut flavor, making it ideal for those who are not fans of coconut.
Cauliflower for Broccoli: If you want to switch things up or if cauliflower is more readily available, you can use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli. It will offer a similar texture and absorb the delicious cheddar cheese flavor just as well.
Additions:
Spinach or Kale: Add a nutritional boost by incorporating fresh spinach or kale leaves. Stir in a couple of cups of finely chopped greens during the last few minutes of simmering for added color and nutrients.
Diced Red Bell Pepper: For a touch of sweetness and extra color, consider adding finely diced red bell pepper to the soup. It complements the savory flavors and provides a pleasant crunch.
Fresh Herbs: Enhance the soup’s flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Sprinkle a handful of chopped herbs on top just before serving or stir them into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a burst of freshness.
These substitutions and additions will allow you to customize your Broccoli Cheddar Soup to your taste and dietary preferences while ensuring that each ingredient remains freezer-friendly for convenient make-ahead meals.
How to Reheat and Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal after cooking?
Best way to store Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup leftover?
Ensuring the taste and safety of your Broccoli Cheddar leftovers is contingent upon proper storage. Commence by allowing your leftovers to cool to room temperature on the kitchen counter. Once sufficiently cooled, transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, taking care to eliminate air inside to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.
Don’t forget to label the containers with the date to facilitate tracking freshness. For extended storage, opt for the freezer. Frozen soup leftovers can uphold their quality for several months, enabling you to enjoy your favorite dishes conveniently and minimize food waste.
How long will Make-Ahead Broccoli Cheddar Soup last in fridge?
Typically, you can expect your Broccoli Cheddar Soup leftovers to remain fresh for about 3-5 days. It’s quite a convenient time frame for enjoying those delicious meals again. To ensure their quality, make sure to cool them down to room temperature within two hours after cooking.
Now, if you ever find yourself with an abundance of leftovers, what’s the best course of action? The answer lies in your freezer, where your leftovers can maintain their taste and quality for an extended period.
Can I freeze Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe after cooking?
Freezing leftover Broccoli Cheddar soup is a straightforward process that helps you preserve the quality and freshness of your Broccoli Cheddar soup for future meals.
First thing you must do is allow the soup to cool to room temperature. This crucial step prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming inside the storage container. Once cooled, decide on your portion sizes based on your future meal needs, whether its individual serving or family sized portions.
Fill each chosen container or freezer bag with the cooled soup, leaving expansion room as the soup freezes. Seal the containers/bags securely to prevent freezer burn, and consider labeling each container/bag with the date of freezing and its contents for easy identification.
Place the labeled containers or bags in the coldest part of the freezer, arranging them in a single layer to freeze evenly.
How to Reheat Easy Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Reheating your Broccoli Cheddar Soup has never been easier. The best methods of reheating occur on your stovetop or in your microwave. Regardless of method, if your leftovers have been frozen, allow the meal to thaw out in the fridge overnight.
Once thawed and before microwaving, start by transferring your desired portion of broccoli cheddar soup into a microwave-safe container. Set the time to 1-2 minutes on regular heat. Stir the soup between each increment to ensure even heating. Continue until the soup reaches the desired temperature.
If you are using the stovetop to reheat your leftovers, transfer leftovers from the container to a saucepan or pot. Place the pot over low to medium-low heat. Allow the soup to start thawing and melting slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This may take a bit longer than microwaving but ensures even heating. Continue stirring occasionally. Continue simmering and stirring until the soup reaches the desired temperature.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup Freezer Meal Recipe FAQs
How do you store soups in a freezer bag?
To store soup in a freezer bag, first allow the soup to cool to room temperature. Next ladle the soup into a resealable, freezer safe bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion during the freezing process. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal the bag securely, and flatten it to come any air pockets.
Label the bag with the date of preparation and the contents. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Finally, lay the bags flat in the freezer to freeze in a stackable shape, which saves space and allows for easy storage.
How do you avoid the cheese curdling in a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
To prevent cheese from curdling in Broccoli Cheddar Soup, first use high-quality cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that affect the melting ability.
Next, ensure the soup is at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil, when adding cheese. Gradually add cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can cause curdling.
Lastly, consider using a cheese with good melting properties like sharp cheddar, which contains more moisture and melts smoothly.
How long does soup stay fresh after it has been cooked?
Cooked soup can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it in airtight freezer containers or bags, where it can stay for up to 3-4 months, maintaining the quality and flavor of it properly sealed and stored at a consistent temperature.
What pairs well with a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs well with side dishes like crusty bread, garlic bread, crisp green salads, or even sandwiches. These accompaniments balance the richness of the cheese flavors and add variety to the meal.
Why won’t my cheese melt when I try to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Cheese may not melt properly in Broccoli Cheddar Soup if the temperature is too high, or if the cheese is of low quality or not shredded finely. To ensure proper melting of the cheese, use moderate heat and add the cheese gradually, while stirring continuously until it is fully melted.
Quality cheese with good melting properties is the key and will make a significant difference in achieving a smooth texture when melting.
Is Broccoli Cheddar Soup good for you?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be a nutritious soup when made with wholesome ingredients. Broccoli is rich in many vitamins and fiber, and the soup can provide protein and calcium from the cheese.
However, some recipes can be high in fat and sodium, so choosing low fat cheese and using less salt can make it a healthier option for those that are looking to be more health conscious.
When is Broccoli Cheddar Soup so popular?
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is so popular due to its creamy texture, rich and comforting flavor, and the satisfying combination of broccoli and cheese.
It offers a hearty and satisfying eating experience that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a favorite comfort food for many people.
What is the historical background of a Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
The exact historical origin of Broccoli Cheddar Soup is unclear, but it likely evolved from traditional cream soups and cheese-based soups.
Its popularity surged in American cuisine, particularly in casual dining and soup shops, where it became a beloved staple.
What are some regional variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Regional variations of Broccoli Cheddar Soup can include different types of cheeses, variations in the seasonings, and the use of local ingredients. Some regions may add additional vegetables or spices to create unique twists on this classic soup.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
Alex says:
This recipe is AMAZING! 10/10. We added chicken thighs to up the protein and it was so good. Will be making this again for sure
Hannah Stewart says:
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Adding chicken is a great addition, I’ll need to try that!