Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a simple yet delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this soup is perfect for a cozy evening at home. Using a slow cooker allows you to bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli while also providing a hands-off cooking experience that ultimately delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
This soup is a favorite for many reasons. Firstly, it combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with the indulgent creaminess of cheddar cheese, making it a hearty choice for lunch or dinner. The use of a crock pot means you can throw in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a gathering with friends, this soup can easily be scaled up to meet your needs. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or paired with crusty bread for dipping. The rich flavors will surely impress anyone who tries it!
Ingredients about Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- 4 cups broccoli, diced small
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup celery, diced small
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Directions
Making Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can master, regardless of cooking experience.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to cook evenly and make for easy eating later on.
- Layer the Base Ingredients: In your crock pot, add the chopped broccoli, diced butter, onion, minced garlic, and celery. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper to season the mixture. These base ingredients will provide a fantastic flavor profile to your soup.
- Mix the Broth with Cornstarch: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth with cornstarch. This mixture will help thicken your soup later. Stir it well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Combine Everything: Pour the chicken broth and cornstarch mixture into the crock pot with the vegetables. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly mixed and that the seasonings are dispersed throughout.
- Start Cooking: Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the broccoli to soften perfectly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Once the cooking time is complete, it’s time for the delicious finishing touches. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The warmth of the soup will help melt the cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Final Cooking Step: Increase the heat to high and let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures that the cheese melts completely and integrates into the soup, elevating the overall flavor.
- Serve: After this final step, your soup is ready to be served. Give it a good stir, and it’s time to enjoy. You can garnish with extra cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
When it comes to serving your hot, creamy soup, the options are endless. A rustic bread or baguette is perfect for dipping; the crusty exterior complements the rich soup beautifully. You can also serve it alongside a simple side salad for a light, satisfying meal. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding some croutons on top for added crunch or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley to enhance freshness. Serving in individual bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese not only makes for an appealing presentation but also elevates the taste.
Additionally, Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup works well for meal prep. Prepare a big batch and store it in individual containers for lunch throughout the week. Just remember to give it a good stir before reheating as the ingredients may settle.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Choose the Right Broccoli: For the best flavor, use fresh broccoli. The bright green color indicates freshness, which will enhance the overall taste of your soup. Avoid yellowing or wilted florets.
- Customize Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, you’ll want to blend the mixture after cooking. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a traditional blender if you like a creamier texture.
- Cheese Quality Matters: The quality of cheddar cheese makes a significant difference in flavor. Opt for a sharp cheddar for a more robust taste. Shred your cheese instead of purchasing pre-shredded to maximize melting and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little kick, don’t hesitate to add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce when serving. It adds a lovely warmth that balances the creamy texture.
- Cooking Times May Vary: Depending on your crock pot model, cooking times may vary. It’s best to check for doneness around the 4-hour mark. The broccoli should be tender but not mushy.
How to Store Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Once you have enjoyed your delicious Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup, storing the leftovers is simple and effective. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you find yourself with a larger batch, consider freezing the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to leave some space for expansion as the soup freezes. It can last for about three months in the freezer, making for a quick and easy meal option later on. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to play with different ingredients and flavors to suit your palate. Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a meatless option. It still maintains rich flavors and complements the broccoli well.
- Add Other Vegetables: Consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or even cauliflower to enhance the nutritional value and add variety to the texture.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked quinoa. This not only adds protein but also makes the soup more filling and satisfying.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, try blending in other types of cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. Mixing cheeses can create an exciting depth of flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with spices such as nutmeg or mustard powder for an interesting flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also uplift the dish.
FAQ
How do I thicken my Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
If you find your soup too thin, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, and add it to the soup. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to thicken up.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; however, you may want to adjust the cooking time, as frozen vegetables may cook faster than fresh ones.
Is Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free cornstarch and checking that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled. Just ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the additional ingredients.
This guide will help you create a delicious and comforting Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup that will keep your friends and family coming back for more. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the ease of preparation that this recipe offers!
Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
For the Base
- 4 cups broccoli, diced small Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter Diced for mixing with vegetables.
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup celery, diced small
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Soup
- 4 cups chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch To thicken the soup.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded Use sharp cheddar for robust flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In your crock pot, add the chopped broccoli, diced butter, onion, minced garlic, and celery.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper to season the mixture.
Combine Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth with cornstarch until fully dissolved.
- Pour the broth mixture into the crock pot with the vegetables and stir well.
Cooking
- Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Once cooking is complete, stir in the heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Increase the heat to high and let cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Serving
- After the final cooking step, give it a good stir and serve. Garnish with extra cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
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