Description

A creamy, comforting slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup that is perfect for busy weeknights. This easy ‘set it and forget it’ recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, veggie-packed meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

Prep ingredients by dicing the onion and potatoes, mincing the garlic, cutting broccoli into florets, and grating the cheese.
If your crockpot has a sauté function, melt butter in the insert over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. If no sauté function, melt butter in a pan and pour into the crockpot with onions and garlic.
Add broccoli florets, diced potatoes, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine and ensure potatoes are submerged.
Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and broccoli has broken down.
Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully blend half in a standard blender and return to the pot.
Stir in heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is smooth. Adjust consistency with more broth or milk if needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve with optional toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and fresh chives.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to prevent graininess caused by anti-caking agents in pre-grated cheese. If the soup is too thin, cook uncovered for 30 minutes. If too thick, add broth or milk. Do not freeze this soup as the dairy may separate upon thawing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 680
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 4
Protein: 18

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, family meals, comfort food, vegetarian option, gluten-free