There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup wafting through your home, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Imagine the velvety texture, the rich cheese mingling with fresh broccoli, and that delightful hint of garlic. creamy potato soup recipe It whispers comfort while promising to warm your soul on chilly days.
I can still hear my family’s laughter as we slurped up bowls of this creamy goodness around the dinner table one rainy evening. It was an impromptu gathering, but nothing brings people together like a steaming pot of soup simmering away. Perfect for lazy Sundays or when you need a quick meal after a long day, this soup never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time
- The flavor bursts with creamy richness and cheesy goodness, making it irresistible
- Its vibrant green color makes it visually appealing, bringing joy to any mealtime
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even as a comforting snack!
I once made this soup for a potluck and still remember the delighted faces when they took their first spoonful.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets; avoid yellowing ones for the best flavor and texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese for maximum flavor; shredded works best for melting.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves provide a robust flavor; mince them finely to release their aromatic oils.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels; it forms the base of your soup.
- Heavy Cream: For that creamy finish; substitute with half-and-half if you want something lighter.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Cornstarch (optional): To thicken if desired; mix with water before adding to prevent lumps.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic until fragrant.
Add to Slow Cooker: Place broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth into your slow cooker. Stir gently until everything is combined nicely.
Season It Right: Add salt and pepper generously—don’t be shy! You can always adjust later. Give it another gentle stir for good measure.
Set It and Forget It: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for about 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. Let those flavors mingle beautifully!
Add Cream and Cheese: Once cooked, pour in heavy cream and stir in shredded cheddar cheese slowly until melted and creamy. The aroma will be heavenly!
Blend (Optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer batches to a traditional blender before serving.
Enjoy serving your delightful Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup with crusty bread or croutons on top! Make sure everyone gets enough cheese because let’s face it—cheese makes everything better! autumn pumpkin hummus. pumpkin spice pancakes.
You Must Know
- This delightful Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup not only warms your soul, but it also makes for a cozy kitchen aroma that will have you counting down the hours
- The smooth, creamy texture paired with the cheesy goodness makes it a comforting classic
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For this soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic before adding broccoli and broth to the slow cooker. garlic herb mashed potatoes This sequence enhances flavor and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Swamp Potatoes recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cheddar cheese for a mix of gouda or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Adding cooked chicken or bacon can also elevate this dish into a hearty meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly blended flavors, let the soup simmer longer than you think; patience is key
- Avoid overcooking broccoli, as it can turn mushy; tender-crisp is best
- Experiment with cheese types to find your favorite blend
Sometimes, I make this soup when I’m feeling nostalgic about college days—friends gathered around, spoons clinking against bowls filled with comfort.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in my Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
For more inspiration, check out this Crock Pot American Goulash recipe.
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly; just add it directly to the slow cooker.
How can I thicken my soup without heavy cream?
Blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in for a creamy texture without extra calories.
What type of cheese is best for Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for rich flavor; feel free to mix in other cheeses too!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This creamy and cheesy delight combines fresh broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese and garlic, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Not only is it easy to make, but it also fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it a great dish for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Wash broccoli and cut into florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Add broccoli, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
- Season: Add salt and pepper; stir again.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Finish: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Blend if desired for a smooth texture.
- Serve: Enjoy with crusty bread or croutons.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
