Olivia Carter
When it comes to comforting and delicious soups, broccoli cheese soup is always a crowd favorite. The creamy and cheesy flavors combined with the healthy goodness of broccoli make this soup a perfect choice for chilly days or when you’re craving something hearty.
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to make this soup, using a slow cooker is the way to go. With minimal effort, you can have a bowl of warm and cheesy broccoli soup ready to devour at the end of a long day.
This slow cooker recipe for broccoli cheese soup is the best you’ll find. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of sharp cheddar cheese, nutmeg, garlic, and a hint of cayenne pepper. The broccoli adds a nice texture and freshness to the soup, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
When it comes to making the perfect broccoli cheese soup in a slow cooker, it’s all about the ingredients. The right combination of flavors can take this classic comfort food to the next level. Here are the key components that you’ll need:
- Broccoli: Fresh and tender broccoli florets are the star of this dish. They add a refreshing crunch and vibrant green color to the soup.
- Cheddar cheese: This rich and creamy cheese is what gives the soup its signature flavor. Be sure to use a good quality cheddar for the best results.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. It complements the broccoli and cheese perfectly.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic minced or finely chopped will add a delicious savory element to the soup.
- Chicken broth: The broth serves as the base for the soup and provides a savory, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream: To make the soup rich and velvety, add some heavy cream. It adds a lusciousness that is hard to resist.
- Spices: To enhance the overall flavor, you can season the soup with some salt, pepper, and other spices like thyme or nutmeg.
These are the main ingredients you’ll need for a delicious broccoli cheese soup cooked in a slow cooker. By combining these ingredients in the right proportions and allowing them to simmer slowly, you’ll create a comforting and satisfying soup that will warm you up on even the coldest of days.
Step 1: Preparing the Broccoli
In order to make the best broccoli cheese soup in a slow cooker, it is important to prepare the broccoli properly. Follow these steps to ensure that your soup turns out deliciously:
Cutting the Broccoli:
- Begin by selecting fresh broccoli heads that are firm and vibrant in color.
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Use a sharp knife to cut off the broccoli florets. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy consumption in the soup.
- Separate the stalks from the florets. The stalks can be peeled and sliced to add texture to the soup.
Blanching the Broccoli:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water.
- Place the broccoli florets in the boiling water and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become bright green and tender-crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the blanched broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl filled with ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help the broccoli retain its vibrant color.
- Once the broccoli has cooled, drain it well and set it aside until ready to add to the slow cooker.
By properly preparing the broccoli, you are ensuring that it will be cooked to perfection in your slow cooker broccoli cheese soup. This step is essential for achieving a delicious and satisfying soup that is full of flavor and nutrients.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
To enhance the flavor of your broccoli cheese soup, it is important to sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. Sautéing the onions and garlic helps to release their natural oils and sweetness, which adds depth and complexity to the soup.
Start by heating a little bit of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they become translucent and aromatic, stirring occasionally to prevent them from burning.
The onions and garlic will begin to caramelize and develop a rich flavor profile during the sautéing process. This step not only adds a delicious taste to the soup but also helps to soften the onions, making them more enjoyable to eat in the final dish.
Once the onions and garlic are sautéed to perfection, transfer them to the slow cooker, where they will continue to cook and infuse their flavors into the rest of the soup ingredients. With the onions and garlic prepared in this way, your broccoli cheese soup will have a more robust and well-rounded taste.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Cook
To prepare the broccoli, trim off the tough stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Once the broccoli is prepped, add it to the slow cooker and give everything a good stir to ensure that the broccoli is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Now it’s time to let the slow cooker do its magic. Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the broccoli cook for a few hours. This gentle heat will soften the broccoli without overcooking it, preserving its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Trim the tough stems and cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces
- Add the broccoli to the slow cooker and stir to distribute it evenly
- Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the broccoli cook for a few hours
While the broccoli is cooking, its flavors will meld with the onions, garlic, and other ingredients in the soup, creating a delicious and wholesome combination.
Once the cooking time is up, the broccoli should be tender but not mushy. You can test its doneness by piercing a floret with a fork – it should offer some resistance but still be easy to bite into.
With the broccoli fully cooked, the soup is almost ready to be served. But first, there is one more step to add the final touch – the cheese. This rich and creamy ingredient will take the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the broccoli and cheese mixture has cooked for the recommended time and all the ingredients are tender and well combined, it’s time to blend the soup to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
To blend the soup, carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker. Be cautious when transferring the hot liquid to prevent any accidents or burns.
If using a blender:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending to prevent any steam from building up and causing the top to pop off.
- Blend the soup in batches if necessary, filling the blender no more than halfway each time.
- Hold down the blender lid firmly with a kitchen towel while blending to ensure it stays secure.
- Blend on high speed until the soup reaches a smooth and velvety consistency.
If using an immersion blender:
- Insert the immersion blender directly into the slow cooker, ensuring it is fully submerged in the soup.
- Maintain a slow and steady movement throughout the blending process to ensure all the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Continue blending until the soup reaches the desired smoothness.
Once the soup is blended to perfection, you can return it to the slow cooker on the low or warm setting to keep it hot until serving. Alternatively, you can transfer it to a heat-resistant serving dish or individual bowls.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve
Once the broccoli is cooked and tender, it’s time to add the cheese to the soup. Gradually stir in your choice of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, until melted and well combined. The cheese will add a rich and creamy texture to the soup, enhancing its flavor and making it even more delicious.
After adding the cheese, allow the soup to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Once the cheese is fully melted and the soup is heated through, it is ready to be served. Ladle the hot broccoli cheese soup into bowls, garnish with some additional shredded cheese, if desired, and serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.
This slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. With its creamy texture, flavorful broccoli, and cheesy goodness, it makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy this comforting soup with your loved ones and bask in the warmth and deliciousness it brings.
10 Best Broccoli Cheese Soup Slow Cooker Recipe
Instant Pot 7-in-1 Mini Electric Cooker
Features
| Part Number | IPDUOMINI 3Qt |
| Model | 3QT. Duo |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Color | Stainless Steel/Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2017-06-25T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 3 Quarts |
Aged Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Half Loaf
Features
| Size | 2.5 Pound (Pack of 1) |
McCook German Stainless Steel Knife Set
Features
| Part Number | MC29 |
| Model | MC29 |
| Color | SilverWalnut |
| Size | 15 |
Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan
Features
| Part Number | 733-30HP1 |
| Model | 733-30HP1 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Color | 5.5-Quart |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2003-03-01T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 5.8 Quarts |
| Language | English |
Crock-Pot 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Features
| Part Number | 43237-2 |
| Model | SCCPVFC800-DS |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 8 Quarts |
KitchenAid Variable Speed Hand Blender
Features
| Part Number | KHBV53ER |
| Model | KHBV53ER |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Color | Empire Red |
| Size | 5 Speed |
Augason Farms Freeze Dried Colby Cheese
Features
| Part Number | 5-10175 |
| Model | 5-10175 |
| Release Date | 2024-05-29T00:00:01Z |
| Size | 1 lb 14 oz |
FAQ
What is the fifth step of the recipe?
The fifth step of the recipe is to add cheese and serve.
What should I do after adding the cheese?
After adding the cheese, you should serve the dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding cheese is the final step in perfecting any dish. Whether it’s melting cheese on top of a burger, stirring it into a creamy pasta sauce, or sprinkling it over a piping hot slice of pizza, cheese adds a delicious richness and depth of flavor. It is the finishing touch that takes a dish from good to outstanding. So go ahead and indulge in your favorite cheese and serve up a meal that is sure to impress!
