When you think of comfort food, nothing quite warms the soul like a steaming bowl of soup. If you’re craving something that’s both creamy and loaded with fresh vegetables, then Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup may just be your new favorite dish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of effort. Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. First and foremost, the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up a batch of this delicious soup. Just gather your ingredients, throw everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
Additionally, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can make it your own by adding other vegetables or spices that you love. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are not only comforting but also appealing to the whole family. Kids and adults alike will find it hard to resist a bowl of this delightful dish.
Finally, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy greens! Broccoli is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making this soup not only delicious but also good for you. So, whether it’s a chilly evening or just a busy week night, this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients for Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To make this creamy and satisfying soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
Gathering these ingredients ahead of time will make your cooking process smoother, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal without any last-minute scrambles.
How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Directions
Now let’s dive into the heart of the recipe—how to make your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup. Follow these straightforward steps to create a warm, comforting meal that you’ll love.
Prep the Vegetables: Start by roughly chopping the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and are easy to eat. Next, chop the onion and shred the carrots.
Combine in the Crockpot: Place the chopped broccoli, onion, and carrots at the bottom of your crockpot. Add in the cream cheese and minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor. The cream cheese will help create a rich, creamy texture once it melts.
Mix the Broth: In a large bowl, pour in the chicken broth. Whisk in the nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch is a fantastic thickening agent that will give your soup the perfect consistency.
Combine Everything: Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables and cream cheese in your crockpot. Make sure to stir it well, combining all the ingredients evenly.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. You want to cook until the broccoli is tender and the flavors have melded nicely.
Blend for Texture (Optional): If you enjoy a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the mixture. However, leave some larger chunks of broccoli for texture if you prefer a more rustic feel.
Add Milk and Cheese: Once the cooking time is up, reduce the temperature of the crockpot to LOW. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow this to cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
And just like that, you have a delicious, creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving your Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a pleasure in itself. Ladle generous portions into bowls and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, making it a complete meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, each spoonful is sure to satisfy your palate. Don’t forget to have some extra cheese on the side; you can never go wrong with a bit of cheddar cheese!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your soup turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
Freshness Counts: Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture. Avoid frozen broccoli, as it may become mushy during cooking.
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a sharp old cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your soup before serving to adjust the seasoning. You might find that you want a little more salt, pepper, or nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
Use High-Quality Broth: The flavor of your broth will significantly impact the overall taste of your soup, so choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: For the best results, allow enough cooking time for the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. If you’re making this soup ahead of time, it also holds up well in the fridge.
How to Store Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Storing your soup properly allows you to enjoy leftovers for days. Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. The Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 5 days.
If you’d like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations of Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different variations:
Add Other Vegetables: Toss in extras like cauliflower, peas, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. You can also use mixed vegetables to create a veggie-packed version.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to your soup for an exciting kick.
Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based option, use vegetable broth, and replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to make this soup vegan-friendly.
Different Proteins: If you’d like to add protein, consider mixing in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked quinoa for a heartier meal.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist, or add some curry powder for an exotic flavor profile.
FAQ About Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the cream cheese if desired. Use a creamy plant-based alternative instead.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free cornstarch and check your broth and cheese labels for any gluten-containing ingredients, this soup can easily be gluten-free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat before serving.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, frozen broccoli can be used. Just be aware that it may become mushy and lose some texture.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you find your soup is too thin, simply whisk a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup, cooking until it thickens to your liking.
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Large Bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 6 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 1 cup Shredded Carrots
- 2 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/3 cup Cornstarch
- 4 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 2 cups Milk skim or whole
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and prepare the onion and shredded carrots.
- Place broccoli, onion, carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic in the crockpot.
- In a large bowl, whisk together chicken broth, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables and cream cheese in the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours until broccoli is tender.
- If a smoother texture is desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your liking.
- Stir in milk and cheddar cheese, and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW until cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
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