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
Scale
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.
