There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly night, isn’t there? This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is my go-to comfort dish, and let me tell you, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! The creamy texture paired with the delightful crunch of fresh broccoli makes it irresistible. I love how easy it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Plus, the aroma that fills the house as it simmers away is simply heavenly! Whether you’re winding down after a long day or gathering with loved ones, this soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe in your life!
Ingredients for Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (you can use pre-packaged or shred your own)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium for a healthier option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that rich, creamy finish)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (this adds a lovely warmth)
How to Prepare Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Making this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness ready to enjoy. Seriously, it’s so easy that anyone can do it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your crockpot and add in the fresh broccoli florets, shredded carrots, chopped onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg over the top.
- Next, cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the veggies are tender and the smell makes your mouth water!
- Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches.
- After blending, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cozy flavors of your homemade soup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and creamy, perfect for chilly days.
- Hands-off cooking in your crockpot—just set it and forget it!
- Packed with fresh broccoli and carrots for a nutritious boost.
- Rich, cheesy flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins.
Tips for Success
To make your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t rush the blending—taking the time to blend thoroughly will give you that smooth, velvety texture we all love. Also, if you want to amp up the flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the crockpot; it really brings out their sweetness! And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning according to your preference—maybe a pinch more salt or a hint of lemon juice for brightness? Trust me, it’ll elevate your soup to the next level!
Variations of Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
One of the best things about this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is how easily it adapts to your taste! Want to add some protein? Toss in some cooked chicken or even crumbled bacon for a savory twist. If you’re a spice lover, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat! You can also experiment with different cheeses; gouda or pepper jack can give it a unique flavor profile. For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for a low-fat milk or a nut milk. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is super simple! Just let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re looking to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave, but I recommend stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Enjoy every comforting spoonful again!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just estimates. For each serving of this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, you can expect around 350 calories, 25g of fat, 10g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty dish, perfect for a cozy meal! Just remember, these numbers can shift a bit depending on what you choose to add or swap out.
FAQ About Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup. Just toss it in straight from the bag—no need to thaw it first. It’ll cook down beautifully!
How can I make this soup vegan? To make a vegan version, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative. You can add nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, too!
Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to throw in some diced potatoes, cauliflower, or even kale for added nutrition and flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you add heartier veggies.
What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a complete meal on its own, but those sides take it to the next level!
How do I store leftovers? Simply let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 4 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage!
For a delicious pasta pairing, try this creamy garlic parmesan pasta!
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Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 5 Cozy Reasons to Enjoy
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is creamy and comforting. Perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Add broccoli, carrots, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, blend more thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- You can add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot broccoli cheddar soup
