There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s a luscious crockpot broccoli cheddar soup. Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through your house! This soup is a creamy dream come true, effortlessly made in your trusty crockpot. The combination of fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese creates a delightful texture that’s both smooth and satisfying. Plus, the best part? You can just toss everything in and let the crockpot do all the hard work while you kick back and relax. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for cozy nights in!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making this creamy crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring a comforting bowl of goodness in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by adding the 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 1 medium diced onion, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 2 minced cloves of garlic to your crockpot. Give it a little stir to combine everything nicely.
- Now, it’s time to cook! Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, crank it up to high for 3 hours. Just imagine the delightful aromas filling your kitchen!
- Once the cooking time is up, grab your immersion blender and carefully blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender—just be super careful, it’s hot!
- Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and combined. This is where the magic happens, and trust me, you’ll want to taste it at this point!
- Lastly, season your soup with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes so the cheese can melt perfectly into that velvety soup. Wow, you’re in for a treat!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup). Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
This soup is rich and hearty, perfect for a cozy meal while still being vegetarian-friendly. Enjoy every creamy spoonful without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work! No fuss, no mess—just set it and forget it.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli creates a luxurious texture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Perfectly Cozy: This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with wholesome veggies and creamy goodness, it’s a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite spices or additional veggies, keeping it exciting every time you make it!
- Leftover Friendly: This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, always use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture—frozen just doesn’t compare! When it comes to cheese, I recommend using a good-quality sharp cheddar for that rich, bold taste. If you like your soup a bit thicker, feel free to add more cheese—trust me, it’ll be divine!
Timing is key, so be sure to stick to the cooking times; the low-and-slow method really allows those flavors to meld beautifully. And if you have leftovers (which I hope you do because they’re just as good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, and you’ll be all set for another cozy meal!
Variations
If you want to switch things up with your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, I’ve got some fun ideas! Consider adding in different veggies like cauliflower, spinach, or even diced potatoes for extra heartiness. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with cheese—try mixing in gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not stir in some cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor? The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is so hearty and delicious that it can stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level! Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Crispy Bread: A crusty baguette or some buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: You can’t go wrong with a classic! Pair your soup with a gooey grilled cheese for a comforting combo.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve up some roasted veggies on the side for a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
- Crackers: A handful of crunchy crackers adds a nice texture contrast and makes for a fun dipping experience.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your mood and what you have on hand. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is super easy, and it means you can enjoy those cozy flavors for days to come! Once the soup has cooled slightly, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Make sure to leave some space at the top since the soup may expand a bit as it cools. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days, so feel free to enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes beautifully. Just pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and pop them in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
When it’s time to reheat, you can do so on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If you find the soup has thickened a bit while stored, don’t worry! You can add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to get it back to that creamy consistency. Just make sure to heat it gently—nobody wants a scorched bottom! Enjoy every spoonful of your cozy creation!
Drucken
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 5 Cozy Spoonfuls Await
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A creamy and cheesy broccoli cheddar soup made effortlessly in a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Add broccoli, onion, vegetable broth, carrots, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
- For a thicker soup, add more cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 28g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 17g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 15g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, broccoli soup, cheddar soup, slow cooker soup
