This creamy broccoli cheddar soup recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot, is the ultimate comfort food. Forget about complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this version is incredibly easy to make, leaving you with more time to enjoy the delicious results. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to serving suggestions, ensuring you create a bowl of comforting goodness that will leave everyone wanting more.
What are the ingredients for crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika for added flavor and color
How to make crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?
Making this soup is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:
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Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet (not the crockpot), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor that you won't get by just throwing everything into the crockpot.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your crockpot. Add the broccoli florets, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper. If using, add the paprika now.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the broccoli is tender.
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Stir in Cheese: Once the soup is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Can I use frozen broccoli in crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?
Yes! Using frozen broccoli is perfectly acceptable and often even preferable in crockpot recipes. Frozen broccoli will already be partially cooked, so you won't need to worry about it being undercooked. Just add it directly to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.
How do I make my crockpot broccoli cheddar soup thicker?
If your soup ends up thinner than you prefer, there are a few ways to thicken it:
- Add more cheese: Stir in an extra ½ cup or more of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Use a cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour cooked together. Make a small roux (1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon flour) and stir it into the soup to thicken it.
What can I serve with crockpot broccoli cheddar soup?
This comforting soup pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- A side salad
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables
This simple crockpot broccoli cheddar soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. Enjoy!
