Craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s both rich in flavor and nutrition? Look no further than this delightful Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup! Packed with vibrant broccoli florets, sweet carrots, and creamy cheddar cheese, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of this hearty soup, ready to be savored after just a few hours of hands-off cooking. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a cozy meal, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, finely chopping the onion, and measuring out shredded carrots.
- Place chopped onions, shredded carrots, and broccoli florets into the slow cooker basin.
- Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables, ensuring they are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, stirring gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 4 hours, allowing vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for texture.
- Stir in heavy cream and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator a day in advance. This way, all you need to do is toss them in the slow cooker in the morning.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture during the last 30 minutes. This will give you a nice balance of creamy and textured soup.
- Add Extra Veggies: Don’t hesitate to sneak in other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor profile of your soup.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with extra shredded cheese, a drizzle of cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: If you want to make a large batch, this soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to leave out the cream and cheese until you're ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
