Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar (Printable Version)
Rich, velvety soup loaded with tender broccoli and sharp cheddar, simmered slowly for ultimate comfort.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 stalks celery, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Liquids & Dairy
06 - 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
07 - 2 cups half-and-half (or whole milk for lighter option)
08 - 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Pantry
10 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
# How-To:
01 - Place broccoli florets, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the slow cooker. Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables.
02 - Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4 hours until vegetables are completely tender.
03 - Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned. Gradually whisk in half-and-half, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
04 - Pour milk mixture into slow cooker and stir. Use immersion blender to puree soup to desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture if preferred.
05 - Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and soup is creamy and smooth.
06 - Taste soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or crusty bread.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The slow cooker does practically all the work while you go about your day
- Sharp cheddar creates this incredible velvety texture that feels restaurant worthy
- Leftovers actually taste better the next day if they last that long
02 -
- Adding cold dairy to a hot slow cooker can sometimes cause curdling so temper the milk mixture first
- Preshredded cheese contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- The nutmeg is optional but it truly elevates the cheddar flavor in ways people cannot quite identify
03 -
- Grate your own cheese because it melts into silkier smooth perfection
- Taste before adding extra salt because different broths vary wildly in sodium