![This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is a creamy delight. It blends fresh broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese. The soup is easy to make and perfect for chilly days. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil To make your soup even better, you can add: - Croutons for crunch - Extra cheese for a gooey touch - Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color These extras will give your bowl a nice finish and more flavor. First, gather your ingredients. You need fresh broccoli, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. I like to use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until it turns soft. Then, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This step builds a great base for your soup. Next, transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into your slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets and vegetable broth. Stir the mixture gently to combine all the flavors. Make sure the broccoli is well-coated in the broth. Now it's time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for four to five hours. If you're short on time, you can set it to high for two to three hours. The key is to wait until the broccoli is tender. You want it soft enough for blending but not mushy. After the cooking time is up, it’s blending time! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the slow cooker. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be very careful, as the soup will be hot. Blend until the soup is smooth. After blending, stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt fully, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a thicker soup, leave it on low for another 30 minutes to an hour. This creamy and savory treat is sure to delight anyone who tries it! You can find the [Full Recipe] to guide you through this delicious dish. To boost the taste of your soup, use fresh ingredients. Fresh broccoli shines in this dish. I love adding a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. It blends well with cheese. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, too. Don’t forget to taste as you cook, adjusting salt and pepper to your liking. For a smoky touch, try using smoked cheddar instead of regular. To get that creamy, thick texture, start with heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half. Another trick is to blend some of the soup, then mix it back in. This adds body without losing flavor. If your soup is too thin, let it cook longer. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up quickly. Serving matters just as much as taste. Pour the soup into warm bowls to keep it hot. Top each bowl with extra cheese for a melty finish. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds color. Croutons give a nice crunch, making each bite special. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten the dish and add a pop of color. Your slow cooker broccoli cheese soup will impress everyone! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese to suit your taste. While sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, you can try other cheeses too. Gruyère adds a rich flavor. Monterey Jack melts well and keeps it creamy. For a tangy twist, use pepper jack. Mixing cheeses can create a complex taste. Just keep the total amount similar to the recipe. Want to make your soup heartier? Adding proteins or grains is a great idea. Cooked chicken or turkey can add protein and make it filling. If you prefer plant-based options, try adding cooked lentils or chickpeas. You can also mix in some quinoa or rice. These additions will give the soup more texture and make it a full meal. To make this soup vegan, swap the cheese and cream for plant-based options. Use cashew cream or coconut milk for creaminess. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. Instead of cheddar, look for vegan cheese that melts well. These swaps keep the soup tasty and creamy. You can still enjoy all the warming flavors in this vegan version. To keep your slow cooker broccoli cheese soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup creamy. Place the container in the fridge. It can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to eat it later, keep the toppings separate until serving. You can freeze this soup for later use. First, let it cool completely in the fridge. Then, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your soup, use a pot on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. If the soup seems thick, add a bit of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup smooth and creamy. For the best flavor, enjoy it warm with your favorite toppings. The cook time for slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is about 4-5 hours on low. If you are in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours. Either way, the goal is to make the broccoli tender and blend well with the cheese. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing. Frozen broccoli cooks well and will still give you that creamy texture. It may take a little less time, so check it after about 3-4 hours on low. For the best storage, let the soup cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free vegetable broth. Also, check the cheese you use. Some brands may add gluten ingredients. With these changes, you can enjoy this creamy soup without worry. For a delicious twist, consider adding gluten-free croutons on top. For the full recipe, you will find all the details you need to create this comforting dish. In this article, we explored a delicious slow cooker broccoli cheese soup recipe. We covered ingredients, preparation, and tips to enhance flavor. We also looked at variations to suit different diets and storage advice for leftovers. Remember, the right tools and techniques can make cooking fun! Share this recipe with friends and enjoy a warm bowl together. Cooking is about creativity and joy, so keep experimenting and have fun!](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b42af9f9-dcae-4e41-8215-962e75574b74-250x250.webp)
- Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Craving a comforting bowl of warmth? Discover how to make Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup that's both creamy and savory! With fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar, this easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for chilly days, you can customize it to suit any diet too. Grab your slow cooker and dive into this delicious recipe today! Click through to explore all the steps and enjoy a delicious meal!