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Creamy Slow Cooker Cheddar Broccoli Soup (Best Easy Recipe)

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This creamy slow cooker cheddar broccoli soup is the ultimate comfort food—velvety, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Just chop the vegetables, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic for a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Wash broccoli and cut into small florets. Peel and chop the stems into small cubes. Dice the onion and carrots into similar-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
  2. Layer everything in the slow cooker: Add broccoli florets and chopped stems, diced onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic. Pour in chicken broth, then add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and cayenne. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until broccoli is tender.
  4. Blend (optional): Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to reach desired consistency. For a regular blender, work in batches, filling no more than halfway, and let steam escape.
  5. Add the dairy: Turn slow cooker to warm or low. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until mostly melted. Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and heavy cream (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Thicken if desired: Mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir into soup and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar, black pepper, croutons, or crispy bacon bits.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for smooth melting. Add cheese at the very end to prevent separation. Use room temperature cream cheese. Season in layers. Soup thickens as it sits; thin with milk or broth when reheating. For best flavor, make a day ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy slow cooker cheddar broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, slow cooker soup, cheddar broccoli soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/creamy-slow-cooker-cheddar-broccoli-soup-best-easy-recipe/