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For a rich and tasty soup, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced These veggies bring color and crunch to the dish. Broccoli is the star, while carrots and celery add sweetness. Onion and garlic provide a strong base for flavor. Next, we need broth and dairy to create creaminess: - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Vegetable broth gives depth without adding meat. Heavy cream makes the soup smooth. Sharp cheddar cheese melts in beautifully, giving that classic cheesy flavor. Finally, add these seasonings and oils for taste: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil Dried thyme adds an earthy note. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil is great for sautéing the veggies, making them extra tasty. Start with a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these aromatics for about 5 minutes. You want them soft but not browned. This step builds a rich base for your soup. Next, transfer these cooked veggies to your slow cooker. Now, add the fresh broccoli florets and pour in the vegetable broth. This broth gives the soup its flavor. Stir in dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. These seasonings enhance the soup’s warmth and depth. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Now it’s time to choose your cooking setting. For a low setting, cook the soup for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is tender vegetables, so check them after the cooking time. After cooking, I like to use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Blend it until you reach your desired texture. You can make it smooth or keep it a bit chunky—it's up to you. Now, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. This makes the soup rich and creamy. Mix until the cheese melts and blends in. Taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve your soup hot. If you like, add croutons and chopped chives on top for a nice finish. Enjoy your homemade broccoli cheddar soup! Using homemade vegetable broth boosts the taste of your soup. It adds depth and freshness. You can make it easily with scraps and water. Just simmer them for a few hours. If you’re short on time, store-bought broth is fine, too. You can add other seasonings for extra flavor. A pinch of paprika or a dash of cayenne gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten up the soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices you love! Decide if you want a smooth or chunky soup. For a smooth texture, blend it well with an immersion blender. If you like some bits, blend less. This choice makes the soup your own. The best tools for blending are immersion blenders. They are easy to use and clean. If you want, you can use a regular blender. Just let the soup cool a bit before blending it in batches. Garnishing your soup makes it look special. Croutons add crunch, while chopped chives bring color. You can also use a drizzle of cream for a fancy touch. Pair the soup with sides like a simple salad or crusty bread. A grilled cheese sandwich is also a great match. These add texture and make the meal complete. {{image_2}} You can make this soup even better! Add more vegetables for extra nutrition. Try spinach, peas, or even cauliflower. These vegetables blend well and boost the flavor. Want some protein? You can add cooked chicken or beans. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great. For a plant-based option, mix in black beans or chickpeas. These add protein and make the soup heartier. Not a fan of sharp cheddar? No problem! You can use mild cheddar or gouda. Both melt well and add creamy goodness. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt nicely. Nutritional yeast is another option. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. For a different taste, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. This adds a richer flavor to the soup. If you need a gluten-free version, check your broth label. Some broths have gluten, but many do not. Always choose gluten-free options to stay safe. To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. Place it in your fridge. The soup will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. For freezing, choose a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top. Soup expands when frozen. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a pot on low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. For best taste and texture, add a splash of cream or broth while reheating. This keeps the soup creamy and delicious. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. To prep, chop your veggies and store them in the fridge. You can sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery a day before. Store them in an airtight container. When you are ready, just add everything to the slow cooker. This method saves time and keeps your flavors fresh. To make this soup vegan, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegan cheese instead of cheddar. For broth, choose a plant-based vegetable broth. These swaps keep the soup creamy and delicious without any dairy. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo. Add croutons on top for crunch, or sprinkle with chopped chives for a pop of color. These sides enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup. We discussed fresh ingredients, like broccoli and carrots, and important components, including broth and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, slow cooking, and finishing the soup. Remember to enhance flavors and adjust the texture to your liking. You can make variations with different cheeses or proteins. This soup is easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy making your own tasty soup that warms both your heart and stomach.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm up with this Cheesy Broccoli Bliss Soup, a perfect mix of creamy and comforting flavors! Packed with fresh broccoli, vibrant carrots, and rich cheddar cheese, this hearty soup is made in your slow cooker for ultimate convenience. Just sauté your veggies, add them to the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! Ready to enjoy a bowl of bliss? Click to discover this delicious recipe and make your kitchen a cozy haven today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Croutons and chopped chives for garnish

Instructions
 

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.

    Transfer the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker, adding the broccoli florets and vegetable broth.

      Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

        Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency - smooth or slightly chunky.

          Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

            Serve hot, garnished with croutons and chopped chives if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6