Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

$- 4 cups broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening) In this soup, broccoli florets serve as the star. They add a bright green color and a fresh taste. I recommend using fresh florets for the best flavor. Diced onion and minced garlic bring a savory depth to the soup. The aroma of these ingredients fills your kitchen as they cook. Next, we have the broth and cream. The vegetable broth makes the soup rich and hearty. Heavy cream adds a luxurious touch, making every bite feel special. Sharp cheddar cheese is a must for that classic cheesy flavor. It melts beautifully into the soup, making it creamy. For seasoning, I use dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. These spices enhance the natural flavors of the broccoli. The olive oil adds a nice richness and helps the flavors meld together. If you want a thicker soup, consider the optional cornstarch slurry. Mix it with water before adding it to the soup. This will help achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delicious bowl of slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup! 1. Start by preparing your slow cooker. Make sure it is clean and ready to use. 2. In the slow cooker, combine 4 cups of broccoli florets, 1 diced onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. This mix gives great flavor. 3. Next, pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Ensure the broccoli and onion are submerged for even cooking. 4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top to add richness. 5. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The broccoli should be soft when done. 6. After the cooking time, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can leave some chunks if you like texture. 7. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely. 8. If you want a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the soup and cook for an extra 15-30 minutes. 9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. - For garnishing, serve the soup in warm bowls. Top it with some grated cheddar cheese and fresh cracked black pepper. - A slice of crusty bread makes a great side dish to enjoy with the soup. It adds texture and makes the meal complete. Using fresh broccoli brings bright taste. It holds more nutrients than frozen. Fresh florets give your soup a nice crunch and color. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works too. Just make sure it's cut nicely. The quality of the cheese matters. I always choose sharp cheddar. It adds rich flavor to the soup. The sharper the cheese, the better your soup will taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible. It often has additives that can affect melting. Use a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker soup. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. Add this mix toward the end of cooking. Cook for an extra 15 to 30 minutes to thicken it up. Finding the right consistency is key. You want it creamy but not too thick. If your soup is too thin, the cornstarch slurry helps. If it's too thick, add a little broth or cream. Adjust it until you find your perfect balance. {{image_2}} You can make this soup vegan and dairy-free easily. For cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both options add a rich texture. Instead of cheddar cheese, try nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use a dairy-free cheese that melts well. These substitutes keep the soup creamy and delicious. If you want to add protein, try chicken or tofu. Cooked chicken can be shredded and stirred in at the end. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cube it and add during cooking for flavor. You can also add grains like quinoa. Quinoa adds texture and makes the soup heartier. Just add cooked quinoa in the last 30 minutes of cooking. These options make the soup more filling and nutritious. To keep your leftover soup fresh, use airtight containers. Let the soup cool first. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good choice. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space for expansion. This way, it lasts up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you have options. The best way is on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots. Enjoy your creamy delight just as you made it! Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Fresh broccoli works great in this slow cooker recipe. Just chop it into small florets. This will help it cook evenly and blend nicely into the soup. I love the bright green color and fresh taste it adds! Yes! You can make this soup in advance. It tastes even better after flavors meld together. Cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. You can serve many things with broccoli cheddar soup. A slice of crusty bread pairs well. It’s perfect for dipping! You can also add a simple salad for some crunch. If you want more protein, grilled chicken or a turkey sandwich works great too. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered how to make a delicious broccoli cheddar soup. We looked at all the ingredients needed, including broccoli, onion, and cream. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor, and ways to customize the recipe. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered some common questions. Remember, this soup is easy to make and fun to share. You can tweak it to fit your taste. Enjoy making this tasty dish for family and friends!$

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Savor the warmth of creamy slow cooker broccoli cheddar delight that’s perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines fresh broccoli, savory garlic, and rich cheddar cheese for a scrumptious soup that’s ready when you are. Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work! Click through to explore this delicious, comforting recipe that will become a family favorite. Don’t miss out on the ultimate cozy dish!

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Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional for thickening)

Instructions

In a slow cooker, combine the broccoli florets, diced onion, and minced garlic.

Add the vegetable broth into the slow cooker, ensuring that the broccoli and onion are submerged.

Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the broccoli is soft.

Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (you can leave some chunks for texture if preferred).

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and combined.

If you'd like a thicker consistency, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the soup and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5-6 hours | Servings: 6-8

- Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in warm bowls, with a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese on top and fresh cracked black pepper. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!