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- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced The fresh ingredients are the heart of this soup. Broccoli adds color and nutrition. Onions enhance the flavor base, while garlic gives it a rich, aromatic touch. - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 tablespoons olive oil Vegetable broth brings depth to the soup. Heavy cream ensures a creamy texture, and olive oil adds a rich taste. Each ingredient works together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional) Cheddar cheese is key for that classic flavor. It melts beautifully, making the soup rich and cheesy. If you want a thicker soup, use cornstarch. Mix it with water to create a slurry for a smooth texture. These ingredients come together to make a delicious, comforting dish that you and your family will love. - Step 1: Chop and Add to Slow Cooker Start by chopping 4 cups of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Next, finely dice 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Add all these fresh ingredients to your slow cooker. - Step 2: Layering Ingredients Spread the broccoli, onion, and garlic evenly in the slow cooker. This helps all the flavors mix well later on. - Step 3: Adding Broth and Seasonings Pour 4 cups of vegetable broth over the chopped vegetables. This will make the soup hearty and flavorful. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top for extra taste. - Step 4: Setting Cooking Time and Temperature Cover your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the broccoli to be tender, so check if you can pierce it easily with a fork. - Step 5: Blending for Creaminess After cooking, use an immersion blender. Blend the soup until it’s smooth. You can leave some broccoli chunks if you prefer texture. - Step 6: Incorporating Cream and Cheese Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the soup. This makes it creamy and rich. - Step 7: Thicken if Desired If you want a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this into the soup and let it cook on high for another 15-30 minutes. - Step 8: Adjusting Seasonings Before serving, taste your soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This step is key to getting the best flavor. Using fresh broccoli gives the soup a bright taste. Fresh broccoli is crisp and has a vivid color. It also cooks better and blends smoothly. Frozen broccoli works too, but it may be softer. If you choose frozen, let it thaw first for best results. For cheese, I suggest sharp cheddar. It melts well and adds rich flavor. You can also use a mix of cheeses. Try adding Gruyère for a nutty taste. Mozzarella can add creaminess, but it won’t have as much flavor. When using your slow cooker, choose the right setting. Cooking on low takes 5-6 hours, while high cooks in 3-4 hours. Low heat helps flavors meld nicely. High heat is great when you're short on time. Try not to lift the lid too often. Each time you do, heat escapes. If you want to check, do it quickly. It helps the soup cook evenly. You can substitute some ingredients to suit your needs. If you want a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a vegan version, swap cheese with nutritional yeast. Use coconut milk for creaminess and depth. If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth works well too. Each of these changes can give your soup a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your soup with fun add-ins. Here are some simple ideas: - Additional vegetables: Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Slice them thinly so they cook well. - Protein options: Want more protein? Add cooked chicken or turkey bacon. They both pair nicely with the cheese. These options make the soup more filling and add layers of taste. Making this soup fit different diets is easy. Here are some tips: - Gluten-free substitutions: Use gluten-free broth instead of regular vegetable broth. This keeps your soup safe for those who avoid gluten. - Dairy-free versions: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Choose a dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture without dairy. These changes ensure everyone at your table can enjoy this dish. What to serve with your broccoli cheddar soup? Here are some tasty ideas: - Best sides: Crusty artisan bread is perfect for dipping. A light salad can also balance the richness of the soup. - Creative presentations for gatherings: Serve the soup in bread bowls for a fun twist. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese to wow your guests. These simple ideas make your meal special and comforting. To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat the soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it on low. Stir often to keep it smooth. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts and stir in between. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the containers well to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out and move it to the fridge. Let it thaw overnight. To reheat, use a pot on low heat. Stir it well to make sure it warms evenly. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creaminess. How long can Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup be stored? You can keep this soup in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and safe to eat. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup a day before. Just follow all the steps and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before serving. What to do if the soup is too thick? If your soup turns out thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water. Stir it in slowly until you reach the right consistency. Heat it for a few minutes to warm it through. How to fix if the soup is too salty? If the soup is too salty, try adding more cream or cheese. You can also include diced potatoes or a bit of sugar. This balance helps reduce the salty taste without losing flavor. What is the serving size for this recipe? This recipe serves 6-8 people. Each serving is about 1 cup of soup. That’s perfect for a cozy dinner or serving guests. Overview of calories and nutritional breakdown per serving Each serving of this soup has around 300 calories. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Protein: 10g This makes it a hearty meal, rich in flavor and comfort! In this post, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We covered fresh ingredients, blended techniques, and seasoning tips to enhance flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions, from prepping the veggies to blending for creaminess. Plus, I shared storage tips and answered common questions. This soup is easy and flexible, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy the flavors today and try the variations to make it yours!

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Delight! With fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, this comforting soup is effortless and perfect for any occasion. Discover how easy it is to prepare this delicious dish in your slow cooker. Don’t miss out on the rich flavors and creamy texture—click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions
 

Prep the Vegetables: In the basin of a slow cooker, add the broccoli florets, diced onion, and minced garlic, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

    Add the Broth: Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables, making sure the broccoli and onion are fully submerged.

      Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the top to enhance the flavor.

        Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the broccoli is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

          Blend for Creaminess: After cooking, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you prefer some texture, feel free to leave a few chunks of broccoli intact.

            Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese gradually, mixing until the cheese has fully melted and combined into the soup.

              Thicken if Desired: If you’d like the soup to be thicker, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing it with water, then stir it into the soup. Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on high until the desired thickness is achieved.

                Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as necessary to suit your liking.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5-6 hours | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this comforting soup in warm, inviting bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese and a twist of freshly cracked black pepper on top. For an added touch, pair each bowl with a slice of crusty artisan bread for dipping and a complete dining experience!