When crafting a flawless Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, you’ll want to focus on precision and quality ingredients.
Begin by selecting vibrant broccoli florets and aromatic onions, ensuring a fresh base.
Your chicken broth should be rich, complementing the creamy texture from heavy cream.
Pay attention to your seasoning; a dash of nutmeg elevates flavor.
As the soup simmers, anticipation builds for the moment you’ll introduce sharp cheddar and butter, creating a velvety masterpiece.
Curious about the transformative process?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, you can follow this timeline:
1. Reading Time: Allocate about 5 minutes to carefully read through the entire recipe and gather your ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (30 minutes):
- Chop 4 cups of broccoli florets.
- Dice 1 medium onion.
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
- Shred 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese (if not pre-shredded).
- Measure 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
- Gather salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and butter.
3. Initial Cook Setup (5-10 minutes):
- Place the chopped broccoli, diced onion, and minced garlic in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour, then add this mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 hours.
4. Cooking Time (4 hours):
– During this period, you can attend to other tasks or relax while the soup cooks.
5. Final Steps (10-15 minutes):
- After 4 hours, add shredded cheddar cheese and butter to the crockpot.
- Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Optionally, use an immersion blender for a smoother texture before adding cheese and butter.
6. Resting Time (10 minutes):
– Turn off the crockpot and let the soup rest before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Place the broccoli, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour.
Add the cream mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
After 4 hours, add the shredded cheddar cheese and butter to the crockpot.
Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Turn off the crockpot and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Crackers: Add a side of crunchy crackers for texture contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy with a classic grilled cheese for a comforting combo.
- Baked Potato: Serve alongside a baked potato for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Storage
To store Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, cool completely.
Transfer to airtight containers and leave space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Alternatively, microwave in short intervals. Stir between.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
It’s an easy recipe that requires minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of the crockpot.
The combination of broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of nutmeg creates a rich and flavorful soup.
Whether you prefer a chunky texture or a smooth blend, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
For a vegetarian option, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Enjoy a warm bowl of this creamy soup, and feel free to adjust the seasoning and cheese to your liking.
It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to please!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Broccoli With Another Vegetable in This Recipe?
You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower or asparagus in the recipe. Use equal amounts for a seamless swap. Verify the chosen vegetable is chopped uniformly to guarantee even cooking and maintain the soup’s creamy texture.
What Is the Nutritional Information per Serving of the Soup?
To determine the nutritional information per serving, you’ll need precise ingredient measurements. On average, a serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, with 20g fat, 10g protein, and 15g carbohydrates. Actual values may vary slightly.
Is This Soup Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?
This soup isn’t suitable for a gluten-free diet due to the all-purpose flour. Substitute with 1/4 cup cornstarch or gluten-free flour for thickening. Verify all ingredients, like broth and cheese, are certified gluten-free for safety.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
To spice up your soup, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 diced jalapeño for heat. Add these with the seasonings. For extra depth, try 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika. Adjust to taste for desired spiciness.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Besides Sharp Cheddar?
You can substitute sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Opt for a 2:1 cheese-to-liquid ratio to guarantee ideal melting and maintain the creamy consistency of your soup.
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place the broccoli, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour.
- Add the cream mixture to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, add the shredded cheddar cheese and butter to the crockpot.
- Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Turn off the crockpot and let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
