Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Try this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 6 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 8 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots
- 2 cups milk ( i used 2%)
- Carbohydrate 3.15643210710095 g
- Cholesterol 509.010685246 mg
- Fat 107.049806032041 g
- Fiber 0.37961907485813 g
- Protein 118.890506176094 g
- Saturated Fat 35.2773637094011 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (672g)
- Sodium 571.32345969568 mg
- Sugar 2.77681303224282 g
- Trans Fat 9.14741677796412 g
- Calories 1480 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray cooking spray in the insert of a large 7 quart slow cooker.
- Place the broccoli, carrots, onion and garlic into the bottom of slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Next, add the cubed cream cheese, oregano and chicken broth.
- Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours. OR on high heat 3 hours.
- Remove lid and pour in milk and heavy whipping cream.
- Stir.
- Using an immersion blender, puree soup until it is smooth. (If you don't have an immersion blender you can carefully transfer hot soup by one cup batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return soup to slow cooker after.)
- Let soup heat back up in slow cooker for another 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in salt, pepper and one cup of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Serve soup warm with additional cheese, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Comfort Food Classic
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of creamy broccoli cheese soup on a chilly evening. And what makes it even better? Making it in the slow cooker! This recipe is my go-to for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking it to suit my family’s tastes, and I'm excited to share it with you.
The beauty of this slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is its simplicity. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are needed. Just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and come evening, you'll be rewarded with a pot of creamy, cheesy goodness. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of flavor that you simply can't achieve with a quicker cooking method. The broccoli becomes incredibly tender, and the cheese melts into a luscious sauce, coating every bite. It's the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, both literally and figuratively.
Why this recipe works:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are a lifesaver for busy individuals. The hands-off cooking process allows you to focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself.
- Flavor: The long cooking time allows the flavors of the broccoli, cheese, and other ingredients to blend together seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying taste.
- Texture: The soup has the perfect creamy consistency, with tender broccoli florets throughout. The immersion blender makes achieving this smooth texture a breeze.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other vegetables to personalize this recipe to your liking.
I often serve this soup with a crusty bread for dipping, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. It's also a wonderful dish to share with friends and family, especially during the colder months. The aroma alone is enough to fill your home with warmth and invite everyone to the table. Trust me, this isn't just a soup; it's an experience.
Beyond the practical benefits, this soup holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, the comforting smell of simmering ingredients filling the air. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment of connection and shared happiness. So, give this recipe a try, and I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen, too.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Add protein: Cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon would be delicious additions.
- Make it vegan: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting the broccoli, carrots, and onions before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance their flavor.
This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and slow cooking. It's a recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. So go ahead, try it out, and savor the comforting goodness!
