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Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup - featured image

A rich and velvety slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup that is easy to prepare, comforting, and perfect for cozy dinners. Made with simple ingredients and served best with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika
  • Crusty bread for serving (sourdough, baguette, or rustic loaf)

Instructions

  1. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, finely dice onion, and mince garlic cloves. Shred sharp cheddar cheese and set aside.
  2. Add softened butter, chopped onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine.
  3. Add broccoli florets and sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly over the mixture. Stir well to coat the veggies and broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg or smoked paprika.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  5. Remove about half the soup and puree until smooth, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Return pureed soup to the slow cooker.
  6. Pour in milk or half-and-half and stir well. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring to melt completely. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Let the soup sit on warm for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Serve hot with slices of crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Do not overcook broccoli to avoid bitterness and mushiness. Add flour thoroughly to avoid lumps. Blend soup carefully to prevent splashing. Add cheese slowly to avoid clumps. Adjust thickness by adding broth or cooking uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch. For vegan, use vegetable broth, dairy-free milk, vegan cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, slow cooker soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, cheesy soup, broccoli soup, crockpot soup