If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, this slow cooker broccoli & cheese soup is the perfect solution. Made with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is creamy, nutritious, and ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying without too much effort. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is bound to become a family favorite.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Broccoli & Cheese Soup?
Slow cookers offer a convenient and foolproof way to prepare rich, flavorful soups with minimal effort. The low, even heat allows the ingredients to blend together perfectly without the risk of burning or curdling dairy. This recipe is a great option for slow-cooker novices and experienced home cooks alike. If you’re interested in other slow cooker recipes, try this slow cooker beef tips and noodles recipe for a similarly easy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
To make this creamy soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, diced into small florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by dicing the broccoli, onion, celery, and garlic. Place them all in your slow cooker.
Step 2: Create the Base
In a small bowl, whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker to create the base of your soup.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker to low, cover, and let it cook for 4-6 hours. The broccoli should be tender, and the flavors will have blended beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
After slow cooking, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and thicken the soup.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cheese has melted completely, give the soup a good stir and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread or biscuits and sausage gravy breakfast pizza for a complete comfort food experience.
Customizing Your Broccoli & Cheese Soup
This broccoli & cheese soup is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Add carrots: Sliced carrots add a bit of sweetness and extra nutrition.
- Use frozen broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
Tips for Making Perfect Broccoli & Cheese Soup
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of the cooked broccoli with an immersion blender before adding the cream and cheese.
- Extra flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat.
For another delicious comfort food idea, try these banana bread cinnamon rolls for a sweet and indulgent dessert.
Storing and Reheating Broccoli & Cheese Soup
This soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a bit of chicken broth to thin the soup as it may thicken over time.
- Freeze: To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker.
Why did my soup separate?
Soup may separate if the heat is too high or if dairy is added too early in the cooking process. To prevent this, add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this soup thicker?
You can thicken this soup by blending a portion of the broccoli with an immersion blender or by adding an additional cornstarch slurry.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients like vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Not only does this make the soup delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Pairing broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein, making this soup both hearty and nutritious.
If you’re looking for more nutrient-packed recipes, consider trying this Mexican street corn pasta salad, which is a great side dish for any meal.
Conclusion: The Best Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
This slow cooker broccoli & cheese soup is not only easy to prepare but also deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a meal prep routine, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and discover why it’s one of the best comfort foods you can make at home.
For more comforting slow cooker recipes, check out this guide to crockpot pepper steak for another flavorful and effortless dish.
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