Description
This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an easy and creamy comfort food recipe that’s perfect for cozy meals. Featuring fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich, velvety texture, this slow-cooked soup is simple to make with minimal hands-on time. Ideal for busy days, it delivers a warm, cheesy goodness that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and Chop the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli under cold water and cut into small florets to ensure even cooking.
- Dice the Onion: Peel and dice the onion into small pieces for better flavor distribution.
- Mince the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to release their aroma and flavor.
- Prepare the Broth: Ensure you have your vegetable or chicken broth ready to use.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to bring out the savory flavor.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Move the sautéed onion and garlic into your crockpot, forming the flavor base.
- Add the Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli florets to the crockpot and pour in the broth, ensuring the broccoli is fully submerged for even cooking.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or alternatively on high for 2-3 hours until the broccoli is tender.
- Check for Doneness: After cooking, check that the broccoli is soft and ready for blending.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to blend the soup to your preferred smooth or slightly chunky consistency.
- Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, stir into the soup, and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the warm soup into bowls for serving.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers to complement the creamy soup.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For a non-vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth.
- Blending the soup allows you to control texture—blend fully for smooth or partially for chunky.
- Cornstarch slurry helps thicken the soup without altering flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
