Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Deliciousness
When those cold winter nights roll in, a steaming hot bowl of slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is the ultimate cozy meal. First, you’ll need to gather your four simple ingredients and trusty crockpot. Next, you’ll combine them in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Finally, after simmering for several hours, this velvety, smooth delight emerges, tasting as though it’s straight from a restaurant kitchen. Consequently, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality soup without leaving the comfort of your home.
You wouldn’t guess that such creamy decadence could come together with so little effort. Just add fresh broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, broth, and a splash of cream, then let your slow cooker work its magic. In a few hours, you’ll have a dreamy cheese soup perfect for dipping crusty bread or ladling over a baked potato.
The best part is its versatility. Make it vegetarian with vegetable broth or blend some for an ultra-smooth, bistro-style texture. It’s perfect for multi-tasking, letting you tackle other tasks while your crockpot handles the cooking. Every spoonful of this foolproof recipe is pure bliss, so grab your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of comfort food! For a comprehensive guide, check out this Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe from Damn Delicious.
Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Deliciousness
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Crockpot Broccoli Soup
- Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor
- Hands-off slow cooker recipe
- Comforting and creamy texture
This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup truly is the total package. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you can whip up a creamy, flavor-packed pot of cheesy goodness. No fancy ingredients required! Furthermore, the simple ingredients make this creamy broccoli cheddar soup a total cinch. For instance, you just need fresh broccoli, shredded cheese, broth and cream.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Chop up some fresh broccoli, shred a block of sharp cheddar, and you’re halfway there. Toss it all in the crockpot with some chicken or veggie broth, and your slow cooker will transform those basic ingredients into a luscious, bright green soup.
As it simmers away, the most tantalizing cheesy aroma will waft through your kitchen. When it’s finally time to eat, that first silky bite will have you wondering how just a few ingredients can taste so divine. Consequently, every spoonful is velvety, satisfying comfort in a bowl.
For more tips and inspiration for making your own crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, you can find an excellent guide on Eatingonadim here: Crock-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe.
Simple Ingredients for the Best 4-Ingredient Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream or milk
Yup, that’s literally it! With a short grocery list like that, you can whip up this soup on a whim whenever those cheesy vegetable cravings strike. No need to make a special store run.
Effortless Prep for the Best Crockpot Cheese Soup
You know those recipes that have you sweating over complicated instructions and dirtying every dish in the kitchen? This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is the total opposite. The hands-on prep literally takes 10 minutes tops!
Just a quick chop of the broccoli and a few other basic steps, and you’re ready to let your crockpot work its magic. No tedious pre-cooking, roux-making, or other fussy tasks required. It’s pretty much effortless from start to finish.
Quick Veggie Prep for Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Wash and chop broccoli into bite-size florets
- Dice an onion (if using for extra flavor)
- Mince a few garlic cloves (again, optional)
Additionally, quickly dicing an onion and garlic adds extra flavor dimensions.
Assembling Your Creamy Broccoli Cheese Slow Cooker Soup
- Add the fresh broccoli pieces to your crockpot
- Toss in the onion and garlic if you’re using them
- Pour in enough broth to cover and mostly submerge the veggies
- Season with a little salt and pepper
However, you can omit the onion and garlic for an even easier slow cooker broccoli cheese soup.
Slow Cooking This Cheesy Crockpot Broccoli Soup
- Put that lid on and set the timer for 6-8 hours on low heat
- For an extra velvety texture, blend up half the soup once done
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and a splash of heavy cream or milk
- Let it all meld together for 30 mins until that cheese is melty goodness
Consequently, all that’s left is letting it cook low and slow! While the crockpot works its magic, you can kick back and binge-watch your favorite shows.
Tasty Toppings for Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Bliss
This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is downright phenomenal on its own. But if you want to gild the lily, it’s also the perfect canvas for all kinds of tasty toppings. A few simple garnishes can take this humble pot of cheesy goodness to true gastropub levels of deliciousness.
Just imagine…crispy bacon bits providing a savory, salty crunch. Or buttery garlic croutons adding a contrasting texture. For instance, you could even get fancy with a swirl of truffle oil or sprinkle of smoked paprika for an earthy depth of flavor.
Of course, you can never go wrong with more cheese! A blizzard of freshly shredded sharp cheddar or a dollop of rich cream cheese will send this soup into ultimate comfort food bliss. For a pop of fresh herby notes, chopped chives or parsley are the perfect bright accent.
Topping options are endless, so let your cravings be your guide! Get creative with:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Croutons or crusty bread
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
- A sprinkle of nutmeg, paprika, or cayenne
Whichever toppers you choose, prepare for an explosion of flavors in every luxuriously creamy spoonful. This soup is simple, soul-warming comfort food at its finest.
The Best Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 6-8 hours Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- Toppings: crispy bacon, croutons, extra shredded cheese, chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Add the chopped broccoli, diced onion, and minced garlic (if using) to the slow cooker crock. Then, pour in the broth until the vegetables are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until broccoli is very tender.
- Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for a creamy, smooth texture (or transfer half to a blender and blend, then return to pot).
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and heavy cream/milk. Cover and cook for 30 more minutes to allow cheese to fully melt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt/pepper if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, croutons, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley.
For more inspiration and tips on how to make this soup, consider checking out a recipe like this one from Allrecipes.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker soup, make a slurry by whisking 2 tbsp cornstarch with 1/4 cup broth as advised by CookingLight.com.
- Use frozen broccoli florets if you don’t have fresh, according to tips from FoodNetwork.com.
- Substitute vegetable broth and plant-based milk/cream for a vegan version, as recommended by SeriousEats.com.
- Top with smoky paprika, cayenne or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Make it cheesier by stirring in cream cheese or adding an extra cheddar garnish.
- Add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli florets work great in this recipe if you don’t have fresh on hand. Just toss them in the slow cooker frozen and they’ll cook through perfectly. No need to thaw first.
How can I thicken the soup?
For an even richer, thicker consistency, follow the tips above for making a cornstarch or flour slurry to stir in. Alternatively, puree 1-2 cups of the soup before adding the cheese for a naturally thicker texture from the blended broccoli.
What are some substitutes for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, no worries! You can use anything from whole milk, half-and-half, or even cream cheese or sour cream. Milk will make it a bit thinner while cream cheese will make it extra thick and rich.
How do I make this vegetarian/vegan?
It’s super easy to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, also leave out the cheddar cheese and cream/milk, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead.
Conclusion
There you have it – the secret to making an ultra creamy, restaurant-quality slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup in your very own kitchen. With just a few affordable ingredients and zero complicated steps, this crockpot cheesy vegetable soup is convenience at its finest.
Imagine coming home after a long day to those intoxicating aromas of simmered broccoli and melted cheddar wafting from your slow cooker. You’ll be jumping for joy that such a luxurious, satisfying meal basically made itself with zero effort on your part.
Whether you’re a meat-lover or vegetarian, feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food for one, this flexible recipe has you covered. First of all, it’s a fuss-free way to get your veggie fix while indulging in rich, gooey cheese flavor. Additionally, you can keep it simple and healthy-ish, or you can go all-out by loading it up with smoky bacon and buttery croutons. Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences and portion sizes. Ultimately, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that offers something for everyone.
Furthermore, the simple customizations make it nearly impossible to get tired of this soup. Switch up the toppings, experiment with various broths, or add extra mix-ins. Consequently, every bowl becomes a new flavor adventure!
The best part? There’s no need to order take-out or make a special reservation for this kind of scratch-made gourmet taste. With this easy slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup, you can treat yourself to fancy bistro vibes without even leaving the house or breaking a sweat. Now that’s true effortless indulgence!