Creamy Dreamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Recipe Introduction: Your Next Comfort Food Obsession

Fancy a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort? I have been making this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup for years. honestly, nothing beats it on a chilly evening.

Are you ready to get on the train to flavortown?

A Cheesy Dream Come True

This broccoli cheddar soup recipe is not just any soup. It’s a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl. It takes the cream of broccoli soup to the next level.

The cheddar broccoli soup is creamy, dreamy, and incredibly easy to make.

What’s the Deal With This Soup?

Our easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe is inspired by classic American comfort food. This recipe is super simple. Prep takes only 15 minutes and cooks in 6- 8 hours on low (or 3-4 on high).

It makes about 6-8 servings of pure deliciousness.

Why You Need This Soup in Your Life

This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is packed with vitamins from the broccoli. It’s perfect for a cozy night in.

What makes this homemade broccoli cheddar soup so special is the ease. The flavors meld together beautifully while you go about your day.

Alright, now you are in this deep! Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we? You'll need broccoli, cheddar, and a few other bits.

This best broccoli cheddar soup is a winner. This will make you never want to eat Panera broccoli cheddar soup recipe again.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this ridiculously easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward.

The beauty of slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is that it lets simple flavors really shine.

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on what you need:

• Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 950ml ). Low sodium is best.
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium ( 150g ), chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
• Broccoli Florets: 4 cups ( 800g ), fresh or frozen.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ).
• Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons ( 57g ).
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup ( 30g ).
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces ( 225g ), shredded.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste.
• Nutmeg: Optional, just a pinch!

About the cheddar: seriously, buy a block and shred it yourself. I know, I know, it's tempting to grab the pre-shredded stuff.

But trust me, the freshly shredded cheddar broccoli soup will melt so much better.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

This is where you can get creative. The base is simple, but the seasonings can make or break it. I’ve used other options like cream of broccoli soup instead of chicken broth.

• Essential Spice Combo: Salt and pepper are your friends.
• Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of nutmeg adds a cozy warmth.
• Aromatics: The onion and garlic create a savory base.
• Quick Substitution: If you don't have nutmeg, a tiny bit of ground cloves will do in a pinch.

Remember, taste as you go! That's the secret to amazing homemade broccoli cheddar soup .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets here.

• Slow Cooker/Crockpot: You'll need one that's at least 6-quart capacity. I have this easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe on repeat.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Obvs.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping that onion and broccoli.
• Whisk: To make the roux.
• Ladle: For serving up that cheesy goodness.

Honestly, that's it! No pressure cookers, no fancy blenders needed. My crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is all about ease and comfort.

This broccoli cheddar cheese soup can be ready in under an hour.

The Easiest Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup You'll Ever Make

Fancy a broccoli cheddar soup that tastes like you slaved all day, but only took minutes to prep? I got you, mate.

Honestly, this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is a game changer. Forget standing over a hot stove, just chuck everything in your slow cooker and let it do its magic.

It's easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe heaven.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential Mise en Place: Chop one medium yellow onion (about 150g). Mince two cloves of garlic. Get 4 cups (800g) of broccoli florets ready. Shred 8 ounces (225g) of sharp cheddar cheese.
• Time Saving Tip: Use pre-cut broccoli to save time.
• Safety Reminder: When shredding cheese, watch your fingers! No one wants a cheesy knuckle soup.

step-by-step: From Zero to Hero with Your Slow Cooker

1. Combine 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth (low sodium is best), chopped onion, minced garlic, and broccoli florets in your slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours , until the broccoli is tender.
3. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (57g) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30g) of flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes , until smooth and lightly golden.
4. Gradually whisk the butter flour mixture (roux) into the hot soup, stirring to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in 1 cup (240ml) of heavy cream.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
8. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

• Expert Technique: Shred your own cheese. Seriously. Pre-shredded stuff has additives that stop it from melting properly. Grating it yourself guarantees a creamier, more delicious broccoli cheddar soup .
• Common Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli can lead to a mushy soup. Keep an eye on it.
• make-ahead Option: You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just dump them in the slow cooker in the morning. This makes the best homemade broccoli cheddar soup . For a great easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe follow this outline from foodnetwork.com. It’s really simple to follow, and will soon become a family favorite.

Recipe Notes: Your Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Adventure

Alright, you're about to embark on a delicious journey! This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup recipe is pretty straightforward. But even the easiest recipes have a few tricks up their sleeves.

These notes will help you level up your soup game.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Bowl

So, you've got this amazing broccoli cheddar cheese soup . How do you make it look and taste even better?

Plating is Key : Presentation matters, right? A swirl of cream and an extra sprinkle of cheddar broccoli on top? Chef's kiss! Maybe even add a few crispy croutons for texture.

Sidekicks : Honestly, a hunk of crusty bread is a must for dipping. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette will cut through the richness.

A grilled cheese sandwich becomes the ultimate comfort combo.

Storage Tips: Keep the Soup Party Going

Life happens, and sometimes you can't eat all the best broccoli cheddar soup in one go. No worries, here's the lowdown on storing your liquid gold.

Fridge Rules : Let your soup cool down. Then, pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing is Your Friend : Want to save some for a rainy day? Once cooled, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers.

Make sure you leave some room for expansion. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating 101 : Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat. Stir often! If it's too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.

You can microwave it too, but be careful not to overheat it, or the cheese gets weird.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Want to put your own spin on this easy broccoli cheddar soup recipe ? Go for it!

Dietary Tweaks : Need a vegetarian broccoli cheddar soup ? Easy, just use vegetable broth! For a gluten-free broccoli cheddar soup , just skip the flour roux, and use cornstarch instead.

Seasonal Swaps : In the fall, try adding a bit of roasted butternut squash for sweetness and color. In the spring, throw in some asparagus tips for a fresh twist.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Let's talk about what you're actually getting from this healthy broccoli cheddar soup . It’s not just about comfort food.

Simple Stats : Each serving clocks in around 350 calories. It's packed with about 15g of protein, 25g of fat, and 15g of carbs.

Health Perks : Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants. Cheese brings the calcium, and the broth keeps you hydrated.

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make your homemade broccoli cheddar soup a resounding success.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. After all, cooking should be enjoyable, right? Now go get your slow cooker on!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crockpot broccoli cheddar soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Absolutely! Like a good cuppa, this soup is great the next day. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the cheese melts evenly.

Avoid boiling it, as this can cause the cheese to separate, nobody wants that!

My crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is too thick! What can I do?

No worries, that's an easy fix! Gradually stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk (dairy or non-dairy, your choice!) until you reach your desired consistency. Add a splash at a time to avoid making it too thin. Remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can't take it away!

Can I freeze my leftover crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?

Freezing can be a bit tricky due to the dairy content, which can sometimes change the texture. However, you can freeze it. Let the soup cool down completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers, leaving some headspace. When thawing, do it slowly in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop.

Be aware that the texture might be slightly grainier after thawing, but it will still be tasty. Some people recommend adding a bit of fresh cream when reheating to restore the smooth texture.

I don't have heavy cream, can I substitute something else in the crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?

You certainly can! Half and-half will work in a pinch, although the soup won't be quite as rich. For a lighter option, you could use milk, but be mindful that it might make the soup a bit thinner. Some people use cream cheese or even Greek yogurt (stirred in at the very end) for a tangy twist.

My cheese didn't melt properly and is clumpy in my crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, why?

This is a classic soup blunder. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which prevents it from melting smoothly. The best way to avoid clumpy cheese is to shred it yourself right before adding it to the soup.

Also, make sure you don't boil the soup after you add the cheese; high heat can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy. Add the cheese off heat, or with your slow cooker on "warm," and stir gently until just melted.

Can I add other vegetables to my crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?

Absolutely, feel free to add whatever veggies your heart desires. Diced carrots, celery, or potatoes are all great additions that complement the broccoli and cheddar flavors. Just add them at the beginning of the cooking process along with the onions and broccoli.

You could even throw in some cauliflower for a creamier, less broccoli forward flavor, it's your soup, be creative!