There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, right? It wraps you in comfort like a cozy blanket! My absolute favorite is this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup. It’s so easy to whip up—just toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do its magic. I remember making this soup one winter afternoon while the snow was falling outside. The aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it instantly warmed me up. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious crockpot broccoli cheddar soup:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re nice and green!)
- 1 cup chopped onion (this adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (for that rich, savory base)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (they bring a lovely sweetness)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the star of the show—go for sharp for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy finish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season to your preference!)
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a soup that’s not only comforting but utterly satisfying! Happy cooking!
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.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First things first, grab your trusty crockpot and add those vibrant broccoli florets, chopped onion, vegetable broth, and shredded carrots. It’s like a colorful veggie party in there! Give it a gentle stir to mix everything up nicely.
Step 2: Set Cooking Time
Now, it’s time to set the stage for your soup to shine. Cover the crockpot and cook it on low for about 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it on high for 3 hours. Trust me, the longer you let it cook on low, the more the flavors develop!
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
Once the cooking time is up, take a moment to enjoy the amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen. Now, grab an immersion blender and blend the soup slightly—just enough to create that creamy texture we all love. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer a couple of cups to a regular blender and pulse it until smooth. Just be cautious, as the soup is hot!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Cream
Next, it’s the moment we’ve been waiting for! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Oh yes, this is where the magic happens! Mix it all until the cheese melts into that luscious soup. It should be ooey-gooey and utterly irresistible!
Step 5: Season and Final Cook
Finally, let’s finish it off! Season your soup with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and cover it again for another 30 minutes on low. This will ensure everything melds together beautifully, and by the end, you’ll have a bowl of soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright delightful!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips I swear by:
- Cheese Control: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheddar cheese to your liking. If you love it extra cheesy, go ahead and add more—no one’s judging!
- Thickness Matters: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding more cheese or reducing the amount of vegetable broth. You can even toss in a potato for that extra creamy texture!
- Freshness Factor: Using fresh broccoli will give you the best flavor and texture, but frozen works just fine, too. Just make sure to thaw it first if you’re using frozen!
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices or herbs! A pinch of nutmeg or some fresh thyme can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Day-Of Cooking: If you’re serving this for a special occasion, make it ahead of time! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Stir Often: If you can, give the soup a stir every now and then while it cooks. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors and ensures nothing sticks to the bottom.
With these tips, you’re all set to create a wonderfully creamy and satisfying soup that everyone will love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous (and I totally encourage that!), there are so many fun ways to tweak this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup to make it your own. Here are some ideas that will keep things exciting and delicious:
- Cheese Swap: While cheddar is the classic choice, why not mix it up? Try using Gruyère for a nutty flavor, or go with a sharp white cheddar for added zing. You could even blend in some Monterey Jack for a creamier texture!
- Veggie Boost: Add in some extra veggies for a nutritional punch! Chopped kale, spinach, or even sweet corn can make a delightful addition. Just toss them in with the other ingredients in the crockpot.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the mix. It’ll give your soup a nice kick!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor! Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving for a burst of freshness. You can also add thyme or rosemary at the beginning of cooking for a lovely aromatic touch.
- Protein Power: Want to make it more filling? Stir in some cooked chicken or even cooked quinoa during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds protein and makes it a heartier meal!
- Lower Fat Options: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even opt for a low-fat cheese. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the creaminess.
Feel free to mix and match these variations based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. That’s the beauty of cooking—there are no rules! Enjoy experimenting and creating your perfect bowl of soup!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover crockpot broccoli cheddar soup can be a lifesaver for busy days! Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious:
- Storing: Once your soup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it!
- Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Just be sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. It should last for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, here’s how to reheat it:
- Reheating on the Stove: For the best results, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure even heating. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up.
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.
And there you have it! Enjoy your cozy leftovers just as much as you did the first time around! Happy eating!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, you’re not just treating yourself to a comforting bowl of deliciousness, but you’re also getting some decent nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, and they can vary based on the specific brands or variations you might choose. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure: this soup is deliciously satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot broccoli cheddar soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are some reasons why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: With just a bit of prep, you can toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days!
- Creamy Comfort: The blend of velvety cheese and rich cream creates a soup that’s so satisfying, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This soup is packed with veggies and flavor, making it a great choice for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add more cheese, swap in different veggies, or spice it up!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or cozy leftovers.
- Warm and Cozy: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm soup to wrap you in comfort on a chilly day!
Trust me, after one taste, you’ll understand why this delicious soup holds a special place in my heart. Enjoy every spoonful!
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: 5 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Temps Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A creamy and delicious crockpot broccoli cheddar soup that’s easy to prepare.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add broccoli, onion, vegetable broth, and carrots to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Blend the soup slightly for a creamy texture.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
- Adjust cheese quantity to your preference.
- For a thicker soup, add more cheese or reduce liquid.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 6 hours
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 18g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: crockpot broccoli cheddar soup
