Description
This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. With fresh broccoli, savory sautéed onions and garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety blend of cream, this slow-cooked soup combines rich flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a satisfying vegetarian option that can be easily customized with chicken broth or lighter cream alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and Chop the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli under cold water and cut into small florets to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture later.
- Dice the Onion: Peel the onion and dice it into small, uniform pieces for quick and even sautéing.
- Mince the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to infuse a rich aroma and flavor throughout the soup.
- Prepare the Broth: Have your vegetable or chicken broth measured and ready to add to the crockpot.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Move the sautéed onions and garlic carefully into your crockpot.
- Add the Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the broth, making sure the broccoli is fully submerged for even cooking.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings well.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours) until the broccoli is tender.
- Check for Doneness: Test the broccoli with a fork to ensure it is soft and ready to be blended.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to purée the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend partially.
- Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stir this into the soup. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls for a comforting meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added color and flavor, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and warming experience.
Notes
- Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Optional paprika adds a slight smoky flavor but can be omitted.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer soup in batches to a blender carefully.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker soup texture.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add freshness and visual appeal but are not required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
