This Broccoli & Cheese Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s made in the slow cooker. Packed with nutritious vegetables, creamy texture, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy meal. The addition of cream cheese makes it extra creamy, and the slow cooking brings out the best flavors in the broccoli and carrots.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups chopped broccoli florets (about 16 ounces)
- 1 cup grated carrots (can use pre-cut julienne carrots)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese (do not use fat-free)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 ½ cups reduced sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 can (12 ounces) 2% evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (1 block)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables:
Place the broccoli, grated carrots, onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. - Add the creamy ingredients:
Top the vegetables with the cream cheese, oregano, nutmeg, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine evenly. - Cook the soup:
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4-6 hours until the broccoli is tender. - Blend the soup:
After cooking, remove the lid and stir in the evaporated milk. Using an immersion blender, puree about ¾ of the soup, so it’s mostly smooth but still has a few chunks of broccoli. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend the soup in batches using a food processor or blender (be cautious, as the soup will be hot). - Final touches:
Recover the slow cooker and let the soup cook on low for 10 more minutes to heat through. Stir in the salt, pepper, and grated cheddar cheese. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Melt the cheese:
Cover and cook on high for about 5 additional minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and the soup to heat up. - Serve and enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted and the soup is hot, it’s ready to serve! Ladle into bowls and enjoy your creamy, comforting Broccoli & Cheese Soup.
Tips:
- You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. It reheats well.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a bit more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
- If you want to make the soup vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
This slow cooker broccoli & cheese soup is a great way to enjoy a comforting, creamy dish without too much effort!