Description
This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and creamy recipe perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with fresh broccoli, carrots, and a blend of cheeses, it simmers slowly to bring out a rich, savory flavor. The use of the slow cooker makes it easy to prepare with minimal effort, delivering a smooth and hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 8 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups milk (2% fat)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a large 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine the chopped broccoli, grated carrots, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker insert and stir together.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Add the cubed cream cheese, dried oregano, and 5 cups of chicken broth to the vegetables. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender and fully cooked.
- Add Milk and Cream: Remove the lid, pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, then stir the mixture.
- Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the soup until smooth. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and process until smooth, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Reheat and Season: Let the pureed soup heat back up in the slow cooker for 20 to 30 minutes on low heat. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm. Optionally, garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy this rich and comforting broccoli cheese soup!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Use low-fat or fat-free milk and cream substitutes to reduce calories and fat content.
- Be careful when blending hot soup to avoid splatters—vent lids and blend in small batches if using a traditional blender.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
