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Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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A rich, velvety, and comforting broccoli cheddar soup made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy nights, this creamy soup blends fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese into a cozy homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 600g)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth (960ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28g)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24g)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 1 finely chopped medium onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves into the slow cooker.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth.
  5. Whisk the butter-flour mixture into the broth and veggies in the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until broccoli is tender but not mushy.
  7. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
  9. Cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
  10. Optional: Use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup for a smoother texture, leaving some broccoli chunks.
  11. Serve warm, garnished with extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits if desired.

Notes

Brown the flour in the roux to avoid raw flour taste and ensure smooth thickening. Add cheese at the end to keep texture silky and prevent graininess. Use fresh-shredded cheddar cheese for best melting results. Adjust thickness by adding broth or cream if too thick, or cooking uncovered longer if too thin. Frozen broccoli can be used but add during last hour to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli cheddar soup, slow cooker soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, homemade soup, cheesy soup

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-slow-cooker-broccoli-cheddar-soup-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/