There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. It just wraps you up in a cozy hug, doesn’t it? Now, picture this: a creamy, dreamy crockpot broccoli cheddar soup simmering away while you go about your day. That’s the magic of using a crockpot! You toss in your ingredients in the morning, and by the time you’re ready for dinner, you’ve got a rich and cheesy soup that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients. Trust me, this recipe is an absolute winner in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it! You’ll find that it’s not just easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic way to sneak in those greens. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, but I love using fresh for that vibrant color!)
- 1 cup chopped onion (a sweet onion works wonders here)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought is perfectly fine)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (go for sharp cheddar for that extra kick)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this adds that luscious creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt (you can adjust this to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you can)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (it adds a lovely warmth to the soup)
How to Prepare Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is so easy to make, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is to whip up! Let’s dive into the steps, and I’ll guide you through the process so you can enjoy that cheesy goodness in no time.
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
First things first, grab your crockpot and start layering in those beautiful ingredients! Add your 4 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Then, pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. It’s a lovely base that brings everything together. Make sure everything is well distributed; it’ll make for even cooking!
Step 2: Cooking Time and Temperature
Now, it’s time to set your crockpot! You can choose to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or crank it up to high for 3 to 4 hours. I usually opt for low and slow, as it really develops those flavors. Just let it do its thing while you carry on with your day, and don’t forget to sneak a little peek and smell those delicious aromas wafting through your kitchen!
Step 3: Blending the Soup
Once the cooking time is up, it’s blending time! If you have an immersion blender, you can just blend away directly in the crockpot until the soup is nice and smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to avoid splatters (it can get messy!). Blend until you reach your desired creaminess. I like it smooth, but if you prefer a bit of texture, feel free to leave some chunks!
Step 4: Adding Final Ingredients
After blending, it’s time to make this soup sing with flavor! Stir in the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of heavy cream. You’ll want to keep stirring until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a taste; it’s that good!
Step 5: Serving the Soup
Finally, let’s serve up this comforting bowl of goodness! Ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top or add some crispy croutons for a delightful crunch. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy it with some crusty bread, and trust me, you’ll be in soup heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: Seriously, who can resist a rich, velvety soup that’s loaded with melted cheddar? It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
- Nutritious: Packed with broccoli, this soup is not just delicious but also a great way to sneak in those healthy greens. You’ll feel good about indulging!
- Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a hearty meal without the fuss.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for lunches throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite spices or even some cooked chicken for extra protein. The possibilities are endless!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this comforting bowl of goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips that can really enhance your soup experience:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor. If you can, get it from a local farmer’s market for that extra freshness!
- Sharp Cheddar is Key: Trust me, using sharp cheddar cheese takes the flavor to another level. It adds a lovely depth that mild cheddar just can’t match!
- Don’t Overblend: When blending the soup, be careful not to overdo it. You want it creamy, but a few chunks of broccoli add texture and a homemade touch!
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Depending on your broth and cheese, you might want to tweak the salt and pepper. Always start with less and add more if needed.
- Let It Cool: If you plan to store leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it fresh longer.
- Experiment with Extras: Don’t be afraid to customize! Try adding a dash of hot sauce for some heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Get creative!
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect, comforting bowl of soup every time. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store and reheat your delicious crockpot broccoli cheddar soup so that you can enjoy it even after the first bowl! After you’ve savored your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it up. This way, you’ll keep the flavors intact and avoid any condensation that might make it watery.
Your soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
When reheating, you can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer, you can also pop it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can splatter! If the soup thickens too much after freezing, you can always stir in a splash of vegetable broth or cream to bring it back to that creamy consistency. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a warm bowl of my crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, you might be curious about what’s packed inside. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients used and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you choose:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This soup is not just a comforting delight but also a nutritious choice, giving you a good dose of protein and fiber from the broccoli and cheese. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful knowing it’s doing good for your body, too!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese for the cheddar. Just be sure to check the flavors; some dairy-free options can be quite different!
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the soup after blending, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low. You can also use less broth or add more cheese for extra creaminess!
What can I substitute for vegetable broth?
If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works just as well! It’ll add a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious. You can also use water, though I recommend adding more seasoning to enhance the taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some carrots, celery, or even spinach. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the broccoli at the beginning. They will blend beautifully into the creamy soup.
How long does it take to cook on high?
If you decide to use the high setting on your crockpot, plan for about 3 to 4 hours of cooking time. Just keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli is tender and everything is beautifully melded together!
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Całkowity Czas: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients.
Składniki
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instrukcje
- Add broccoli, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Add cheddar cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Stir until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Serve hot.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 6 hours
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Crockpot
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 25g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: crockpot broccoli cheddar soup
