Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the rich flavors of cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli in a smooth, creamy blend. The goodness of wholesome ingredients makes it perfect for a cozy night in, and the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll soon be enjoying a warm bowl filled with deliciousness.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup. First and foremost, it allows you to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal but don’t have the time to prepare elaborate dishes. Additionally, it is loaded with nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence for both adults and kids. The creamy texture paired with the cheesy flavor makes each bite delightful. Also, it’s easy to customize according to your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that everyone at your table will enjoy it.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To prepare this delightful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients measured for your convenience:
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup Directions
Making Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an incredibly straightforward process. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time.
- Prepare the Base: Begin by placing the broccoli florets, chopped onions, vegetable broth, and garlic powder in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to mix everything gently, ensuring that the broth reaches all the veggies for maximum flavor infusion.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll want to check occasionally to ensure that the broccoli is tender, which is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency.
- Blend the Soup: Once the broccoli is cooked to perfection, it’s time to blend the soup. An immersion blender works wonders here, allowing you to achieve your desired consistency. For a smoother finish, blend longer; if you prefer some texture, pulse it a few times until it’s just right.
- Incorporate Dairy: After you’ve achieved the perfect blend, it’s time to enrich the soup. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Make sure everything is combined well — the cheese should melt beautifully into the hot soup.
- Final Cooking: Set the slow cooker to low again, allowing it to cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld perfectly while giving the cheese time to fully integrate.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, be sure to taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preferences. Adjusting the seasoning at this stage is key to amplifying the flavors in your soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or some extra cheese on top if you like!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup provides a wonderful opportunity to get creative. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even simple crackers for dipping. If you’re hosting a gathering, you might consider serving it in bread bowls for a fun, rustic presentation.
You can also enhance each bowl by adding a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Chopped green onions or chives make a delightful garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness. Adjust the serving size according to your event; it’s easy to multiply the recipe for larger gatherings since it holds well for parties. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a celebratory gathering with friends, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup comes out perfectly every time, consider a few expert tips:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: While fresh broccoli florets are preferred for their texture and flavor, frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Just note that it may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese Choices: For a different flavor profile, feel free to experiment with cheese varieties. Combining sharp cheddar with a milder cheese can create a more complex flavor. Avoid pre-shredded cheese blends if possible, as they often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Garlic Powder Substitution: If you love fresh garlic, substitute garlic powder with 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a more robust flavor. Just add it during the initial cooking stage.
- Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, swap the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream, coconut milk, or vegan cheese. Use vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) towards the end of cooking.
- Flavor Enhancements: Spice it up with a dash of nutmeg or a touch of cayenne pepper for some heat. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors significantly.
How to Store Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Storing your Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is easy and ensures you can enjoy the leftovers later. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure you reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring often to maintain its creamy texture.
If you want to keep the soup longer, it freezes beautifully. Divide it into portions using freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up in a pot on the stove.
Variations of Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This recipe can serve as a canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some variations to consider:
- Add Protein: For those looking to include more protein, consider adding diced chicken, turkey, or white beans to your soup.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables you enjoy. Cauliflower, carrots, or peas can work nicely with the broccoli to add variety.
- Spicy Kick: Adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes can easily give your soup a spicy twist. Adjust to your heat preference!
- Grain Inclusion: To make it heartier, consider adding cooked rice, quinoa, or even pasta. Just make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Herbs & Spices: Throw in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic kick. These can be added during the cooking process to enhance the flavor profile.
FAQ
What is the cooking time for Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Typically, it takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat to achieve the perfect tenderness for the broccoli.
Can I make Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your vegetable broth and any added ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be used, but you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since it is already blanched.
How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
You can thicken the soup by using a cornstarch slurry or by blending a portion of the soup and mixing it back in.
Is there a vegan version of Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and using vegan cheese.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets Fresh is preferred but frozen can be used.
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups vegetable broth Ensure gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can substitute with fresh garlic.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Fresh cheddar is recommended over pre-shredded.
- 1 cup milk Can substitute with plant-based milk for vegan option.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a vegan option, use coconut milk.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust based on preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place broccoli florets, chopped onions, vegetable broth, and garlic powder in the slow cooker.
- Mix gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until broccoli is tender.
- Blend the mixture using an immersion blender to achieve desired consistency.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Set slow cooker to low and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with herbs or extra cheese if desired.
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