If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe. It brings together fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and just the right blend of spices, all slow-cooked to creamy perfection. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you want a hands-off dinner, this soup hits all the right notes with its velvety texture and hearty goodness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and inviting flavor that make it so irresistible.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (roughly chopped): Provides the vibrant green color, earthiness, and nutritious base for the soup.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 carrots (peeled and shredded): Bring a natural sweetness and gentle texture contrast.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation, balancing and uplifting the vegetables.
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk: Contributes creaminess that makes the soup rich and indulgent.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup to the perfect consistency.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a luscious mouthfeel and enhances the buttery notes.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that gives the soup its cheesy punch and irresistible gooeyness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a hint of spiciness to balance the richness.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Delivers a subtle warmth and depth that elevates the overall taste subtly yet memorably.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables and Broth
Start by adding the fresh broccoli florets, diced onion, shredded carrots, and broth right into your crock pot. This sets the stage for slow, gentle cooking that will soften the veggies perfectly while infusing the broth with their natural flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and flour until you achieve a smooth paste. This roux will be your secret weapon for thickening the soup and giving it that velvety texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add the Roux and Seasonings
Stir the roux into the crock pot along with the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Stir in Dairy and Cheese
Once the veggies are perfectly soft, pour in the half-and-half or whole milk, then add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep the crock pot on low for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the cheese melts perfectly and creates a smooth, creamy finish.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your soup a final taste and add more salt, pepper, or a little extra cheese if you want. This tweak allows you to tailor the soup exactly to your liking before serving warm and diving in.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions over the top adds a pop of color and a mild onion bite that complements the richness beautifully. Crumbled crispy bacon or a dusting of smoked paprika can also bring an exciting twist to your soup experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a warm baguette or crunchy garlic bread to scoop up every last drop. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy texture and adds freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl, or ladle it over toasted crostini topped with a little extra melted cheese. This turns your bowl of soup into an eye-catching centerpiece perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It thickens over time, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of milk when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, making it a great option for future easy meals. Freeze in portion-sized containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it seems too thick, add a little milk or broth until it reaches your desired creaminess. This care keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky cheddar variant to customize the flavor to your palate.
Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, you can easily make this Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe suitable for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this soup thicker or thinner?
You can easily adjust the consistency by controlling the amount of flour in the roux or the quantity of dairy added at the end. More flour makes it thicker, while extra milk or broth will thin it out.
What if I want a smoother soup?
For a silky smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup before stirring in the cheese. This technique gives you a creamy base while keeping the cheesy richness intact.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham after the cheese has melted for a delicious protein boost and extra flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to favorites whenever I want something warm, cheesy, and downright satisfying with minimal effort. It’s easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and endlessly comforting. Trust me, once you give it a try, this soup will be requested over and over for every cozy night in.
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Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting, creamy dish made effortlessly in a crock pot. Combining fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup delivers rich flavors and a velvety texture. The slow cooking method allows the vegetables to become tender while the homemade roux thickens the soup perfectly, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (roughly chopped)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and shredded)
Liquids
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
Roux and Seasonings
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Add the roughly chopped broccoli florets, diced yellow onion, and shredded carrots into the crock pot.
- Add broth: Pour in 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Make the roux: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and all-purpose flour until smooth to form a roux.
- Combine seasonings and roux: Stir the roux into the crock pot along with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Add dairy and cheese: Stir in the half-and-half or whole milk and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the crock pot.
- Final cooking: Continue cooking on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and seasoning as needed. Serve the soup warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
- Enhance flavor by stirring in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham if desired.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup suitable for vegetarians.
