Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cozy nights, offering a rich and creamy texture with the perfect balance of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and flavorful broth. With minimal effort and a hands-off cooking method, this easy soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for busy days or chilly evenings. It’s hearty enough to stand alone or can be served alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a wholesome meal. Plus, it’s versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Cook the Soup Base: Add the chopped broccoli and broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

3. Transfer to Crockpot: Once the broccoli is tender, transfer the soup to the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, letting the flavors meld.

4. Add the Cheese and Cream: After the soup has cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a smooth and creamy texture, use an immersion blender right in the crockpot, or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. For a heartier soup, leave some chunks of broccoli.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. You can garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Selection: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to added anti-caking agents.

• Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen broccoli can be used as a time-saving alternative. If using frozen, note that it may become softer after slow cooking.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

• Consistency: Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more broth for a thinner consistency or blending more broccoli for a thicker texture.

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup before adding the cheese and cream. Reheat, then add the cheese and cream after reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much during storage, you can thin it with additional broth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Colby Jack, though cheddar is the traditional choice for this soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors develop even further after a day or two.

How do I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with adding diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half will give you a slightly lighter version of the soup but still keep it creamy. You can also substitute with a non-dairy cream or milk for a dairy-free option.

Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending it in batches. Be careful as it may splatter when blending hot liquids.

Conclusion

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it to guests, the rich, creamy texture and the perfect combination of cheese and broccoli will make it a crowd favorite. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home for years to come!

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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• Author: Chef Sophia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6

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Description

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy texture with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy days, this hands-off recipe is easy to make and ideal for a cozy meal. Whether served on its own or with a side of bread and salad, this comforting soup is sure to be a family favorite!

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Ingredients

1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Cook the Soup Base: Add chopped broccoli and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Transfer to Crockpot: After the broccoli is tender, transfer the soup to the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, letting the flavors meld.
4. Add the Cheese and Cream: Once cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Blend the Soup (Optional): For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or blend in batches in a regular blender. For a heartier version, leave some chunks of broccoli.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Notes

• Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides the best texture, but frozen broccoli works as a time-saving option.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisine: American