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Cozy Slow Cooker Cheddar Broccoli Soup: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

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A thick, cheesy broccoli soup made with just five simple ingredients in a slow cooker. No roux, no stovetop babysitting, just dump everything in and let the machine do the work for a soul-soothing bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 4 cups frozen broccoli florets (no need to thaw)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces; shred from a block)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper)
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prep the onion: Dice your yellow onion into small, even pieces—about 1/4-inch dice. Toss the diced onion into your slow cooker.
  2. Add the broccoli: Dump the frozen broccoli florets directly into the slow cooker. No thawing, no chopping (if they’re already florets). If using fresh broccoli, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it now.
  3. Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the slow cooker. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
  4. Season lightly: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the optional smoked paprika and nutmeg if using. Stir again.
  5. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the broccoli is tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
  6. Blend until smooth: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the slow cooker until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 5 minutes, then blend in batches and return to the slow cooker.
  7. Add the cheese and milk: With the slow cooker on LOW, add the shredded cheddar cheese and the milk. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
  9. Serve immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of black pepper, or a drizzle of cream. Serve with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Notes

For best texture, shred cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Add cheese at the very end to prevent graininess. If soup thickens too much during storage, stir in a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker cheddar broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, 5-ingredient soup, creamy broccoli soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/cozy-slow-cooker-cheddar-broccoli-soup-easy-5-ingredient-recipe/