Discover the ultimate comfort food experience with our Easy Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this creamy, delicious soup is not just a family favorite but also a time-saver. Loaded with fresh broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, and a perfect blend of spices, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal. This ‘slow cooker soup’ recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Whether you’re looking for ‘healthy slow cooker recipes’ or ‘easy vegetarian soups,’ our Broccoli & Cheese Soup is sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that’s not only ‘easy to make’ but also ‘budget-friendly’ and ‘family-friendly.’ Dive into the world of ‘slow cooker recipes’ and give your mealtime a delicious upgrade!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads of broccoli)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the broccoli, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Add Broth: Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the broccoli mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy. Add the butter and stir until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.
Tips:
- Cheese Selection: Use a good quality cheddar for the best flavor. You can also mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for a more complex taste.
- Broth Choice: Using vegetable broth makes this a vegetarian dish, but chicken broth adds extra flavor if you’re not vegetarian.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the soup to thicken it.
Enjoy your slow cooker broccoli and cheese soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal!