Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar (Printable)
Rich and comforting slow cooker soup loaded with fresh broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese.
# What You'll 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 Staples
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 Steps:
01 - Combine broccoli florets, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the slow cooker. Pour vegetable broth over the vegetables.
02 - Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours until vegetables are completely tender.
03 - Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 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 the milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir well. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture if preferred.
05 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and soup reaches creamy consistency.
06 - Taste soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese or crusty bread on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Set it and forget it simplicity that delivers restaurant quality results
- The secret method for perfectly smooth, never grainy cheese every single time
02 -
- Never add cheese to boiling liquid or it will separate and turn grainy every time
- Grating your own cheese from blocks makes the difference between okay and incredible
03 -
- Use freshly grated cheese from a block for the smoothest results every single time
- Temper the milk mixture with a bit of hot broth before combining to prevent any curdling