Broccoli & Cheese Soup in the Slow Cooker: A Comforting, Creamy Delight
If you’re looking for a hearty and creamy soup that’s both nutritious and satisfying, look no further than Broccoli & Cheese Soup. This easy-to-make recipe, prepared in a slow cooker, is the ultimate comfort food. Combining the freshness of broccoli with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of cheese, it’s a dish that will warm you up on even the coldest days.
Not only is this soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a healthy choice for lunch, dinner, or as a comforting snack. The slow cooker method ensures that the flavors develop beautifully while saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare Broccoli & Cheese Soup in a slow cooker, step by step, ensuring that every bite is a creamy, cheesy delight. Whether you are preparing this for a family meal or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup?
The beauty of slow cooker soup recipes lies in the ease of preparation. By simply tossing the ingredients into the slow cooker, you allow the flavors to meld together slowly over time, resulting in a deeply satisfying and rich flavor profile. The addition of cheddar cheese, combined with the natural sweetness of carrots and the earthiness of broccoli, creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
In this recipe, we also use reduced-fat cream cheese to add creaminess without compromising the rich texture of the soup, making it a little lighter than traditional broccoli cheese soups.
Ingredients for Broccoli & Cheese Soup
To prepare this delicious slow cooker broccoli and cheese soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Vegetables:
- 5 cups chopped broccoli florets (approximately 16 ounces)
Fresh broccoli adds a healthy and vibrant green base to the soup. - 1 cup grated carrots
You can either grate the carrots yourself or use pre-cut julienne carrots to save time. The carrots bring a mild sweetness and beautiful color to the soup. - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
Onions provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the broccoli. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds a savory element and enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Broth & Dairy:
- 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this soup luxuriously creamy. Make sure not to use fat-free cream cheese, as it will affect the texture and creaminess. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Oregano adds an herby note that complements the vegetables. - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Nutmeg enhances the savory flavors and adds a subtle warm undertone to the soup. - 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
Broth serves as the base for the soup, adding moisture and flavor without overpowering the vegetables. - 1 can 2% evaporated milk (12 ounces)
The evaporated milk gives the soup its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
These seasonings help balance the flavors and bring out the richness of the cheese and vegetables.
Cheese:
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 block)
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the soup, making it irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping the broccoli into small florets. Grate the carrots or use pre-cut julienne carrots for convenience. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set all the ingredients aside in preparation for the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped broccoli, grated carrots, onion, and minced garlic into the bottom of a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. Add the reduced-fat cream cheese, oregano, and nutmeg to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Stir to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook the soup on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. The goal is to cook the vegetables until the broccoli is tender and the flavors have melded together. If you’re pressed for time, cooking on high will get the job done faster, but cooking on low will allow the flavors to develop even more.
Step 4: Puree the Soup
Once the broccoli is tender, remove the lid and add the evaporated milk. Using an immersion blender, puree about 3/4 of the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. This step creates a creamy base while maintaining a bit of texture from the broccoli. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can puree the soup in batches using a blender or food processor. Be sure to allow the soup to cool slightly before blending, as it will be very hot.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasoning
After blending, stir the soup to ensure the flavors are well mixed. Add the kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Gradually stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Final Heating
Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on high for 5 more minutes to ensure the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through. Give it a final stir before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm Broccoli & Cheese Soup into bowls and serve. It’s perfect on its own or accompanied by some crusty bread for dipping. The creamy texture and comforting flavor are sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Tips for Perfecting Your Broccoli & Cheese Soup
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, add a little more chicken or vegetable broth when blending. For a thicker soup, puree more of the soup until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is the star here, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Top your soup with croutons, crispy bacon, or toasted nuts for an added texture contrast.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to deepen and improve after sitting overnight in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
Broccoli & Cheese Soup made in the slow cooker is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines the goodness of vegetables with the richness of cheese. With minimal effort, you can create a comforting, nutritious soup that is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a satisfying lunch. The slow cooker method ensures that all the flavors come together beautifully, and the creamy cheese adds a luxurious touch.