Warm aromas waft through the air, reminiscent of cozy evenings at home, as you prepare a steaming bowl of Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need something satisfying yet simple to whip up. Rich, cheesy, and brimming with wholesome broccoli, this soup offers the perfect way to indulge while still enjoying a healthy meal. You may also find Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast useful.
Reasons to Love Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup quickly becomes a family favorite for several reasons:
- Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Nourishing: Packed with nutritious vegetables, it’s both satisfying and good for you.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it pairs wonderfully with various options.
You’ll find that this recipe brings warmth and togetherness to the table, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a simple family dinner.
Gather These Ingredients
Before diving into cooking, you’ll want to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Each component plays a vital role in crafting the rich flavors and creamy texture of the soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 5 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (12 ounces) 2 percent evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Don’t forget that the tasty cheese can elevate this dish even further. If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, you might also enjoy making beef and cheese chimichangas as a delightful side.
Bringing It Together
Creating this delicious Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps:
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Begin by placing the broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic at the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Top these with the cream cheese, oregano, nutmeg, and chicken broth. Stir to evenly mix everything together. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours until the broccoli is tender.
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After the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and stir in the evaporated milk. Using an immersion blender, puree about 3/4 of the soup, aiming for a mostly smooth consistency while keeping a few broccoli chunks intact.
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Cover again and let it cook on low for another 10 minutes until warmed through. Add in the salt, pepper, and grated cheese, stirring well. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Replace the lid and cook on high until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is hot, which should take about 5 additional minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~2-6 hours, Total ~2-6 hours, Servings ~6, Kcal ~350 (estimate)
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
One of the fantastic things about Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup is that much of the prep can be done ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before you plan to cook. Simply follow the steps above when you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Storing any leftover soup is a breeze! You can keep the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find yourself with more soup than you can eat in that time, this soup freezes wonderfully, lasting up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, gently warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup is too thick upon reheating, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Perfect Pairings
Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider these options:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A fresh garden salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo
- Baked potatoes topped with your favorite toppings
- Simple roasted vegetables for extra nutrients
Variations and Swaps
There are numerous ways to customize your Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup to suit your taste:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground chicken or ground turkey for a heartier soup.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers for additional nutrients and variety.
- Different Cheeses: Swap sharp cheddar for a creamy cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot for a bit of heat.
- Herb Fragrance: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
Here are some pro tips for achieving the best results with your soup:
- Ensure your slow cooker is set to the correct temperature to avoid uneven cooking.
- Stir occasionally if you’re at home to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
- For added creaminess, consider stirring in a bit more cheddar cheese at the end.
- If you like a chunkier texture, simply blend less of the soup or use a potato masher instead of an immersion blender.
Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may soften quicker than fresh. -
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free broth and avoid any added ingredients with gluten. -
Can I use low-fat cheese?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cheese will still yield delicious results while keeping the meal lighter. -
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend more of the mixture or add a cornstarch slurry made with cold water and cornstarch. -
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer part of the soup to a regular blender, then return it to the slow cooker after blending.
Wrapping Up
Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup is a comforting and easy recipe that is sure to warm any chilly evening. It celebrates the luscious flavors of cheese and fresh vegetables while maintaining simplicity in preparation. Gather your ingredients, let your slow cooker do the magic, and enjoy the heartwarming experience of sharing this delightful dish. Don’t forget to make it soon!
Print
Crockpot Broccoli and Cheese Soup
- Total Time: 135-375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy crockpot recipe filled with rich flavors of cheese and nutritious broccoli, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 5 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (12 ounces) 2 percent evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Begin by placing the broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic at the bottom of a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Top these with the cream cheese, oregano, nutmeg, and chicken broth. Stir to evenly mix everything together. Cover and cook on high for 120 minutes or low for 240 to 360 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- After the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and stir in the evaporated milk. Using an immersion blender, puree about 3/4 of the soup, aiming for a mostly smooth consistency while keeping a few broccoli chunks intact.
- Cover again and let it cook on low for another 10 minutes until warmed through. Add in the salt, pepper, and grated cheese, stirring well. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Replace the lid and cook on high until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is hot, which should take about 5 additional minutes. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120-360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: broccoli soup, cheese soup, crockpot recipes, vegetarian soup, comfort food
