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Creamy Slow Cooker Cheddar Broccoli Soup – Easy Party Favorite

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This creamy slow cooker cheddar broccoli soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for parties and cozy nights. It’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients, and the slow cooker does all the work for a velvety, cheesy soup that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Optional garnishes: extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, fresh chives or parsley, croutons

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden.
  3. Transfer the onion mixture and roux to your slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Stir well.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the broccoli is fork-tender.
  5. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup right in the slow cooker until smooth, leaving some chunks of broccoli for texture. If using a regular blender, work in batches and be careful with the hot liquid.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream. Then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted. The residual heat from the soup is enough to melt the cheese.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in a little extra broth or milk. If too thin, let it cook on low for another 30 minutes uncovered to reduce.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melting. Add cheese off the heat to prevent clumping. For a thicker soup, let it cook uncovered on low for 30-45 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry. This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy broccoli soup, slow cooker soup, cheddar broccoli soup, party soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, broccoli cheese soup

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/creamy-slow-cooker-cheddar-broccoli-soup-easy-party-favorite/