This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup served in a warm bread bowl, is a delightful way to satisfy your taste buds while keeping things simple in the kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it embodies everything I cherish about cooking.
It’s a warm embrace on a chilly day, a symphony of flavors that dance in harmony, and a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
This Crockpot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup is my go-to comfort food.
It’s a fuss-free recipe that lets me savor the joy of homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
And when I see my family slurping up every last drop from their bread bowls, that’s the ultimate reward – the simple pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
▪️ Effortless Preparation: Requires minimal hands-on time with the crockpot doing most of the work.
▪️ Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that won’t strain your wallet.
▪️ Family Favorite: Appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.
▪️ Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy broccoli and cheddar combination provides a warm, soothing, and delightful meal experience.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Ingredients
▪️ 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: Broccoli adds a nutritious punch and vibrant green color to our soup.
▪️ 1 medium onion, diced: Onion brings a savory, aromatic base to the soup.
▪️ 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Broth infuses rich flavor and ensures our soup isn’t too thick.
▪️ 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Cheddar cheese provides that signature creamy, cheesy goodness.
▪️ 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk gives our soup a luscious, creamy texture.
▪️ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the soup, making it hearty and satisfying.
▪️ 2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds a touch of richness and depth to the flavor.
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning with salt and pepper brings out the deliciousness in all the ingredients.
▪️ 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely depth): Nutmeg, while optional, adds a subtle, warm note to the soup’s flavor profile.
Making Of Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
STEP 1: Start by melting butter in a skillet. Add those diced onions, and let them sizzle until they turn all translucent and fragrant. This step sets the flavor foundation for our soup.
STEP 2: Sprinkle in the flour, and stir it into the onions. Watch as it transforms into a golden concoction. This is our secret sauce for thickening the soup, giving it that luxurious creaminess we all crave.
STEP 3: Transfer your roux and those beautiful broccoli florets into the crockpot. Don’t forget to pour in that flavorful chicken or vegetable broth. Season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for that extra depth of flavor.
STEP 4: Cover your crockpot and set it on LOW. Now, we wait patiently. The magic happens over the next 4-5 hours as the broccoli becomes tender, and the flavors mix together.
STEP 5: (OPTIONAL STEP) Once the time is up, grab your immersion blender. Carefully, and with a touch of excitement, blend the soup until it’s silky-smooth. If you’re using a regular blender, be cautious; hot soup and blenders don’t always get along!
STEP 6: Return the creamy goodness to the crockpot and sprinkle in that shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts like a warm hug in the pot. Then, pour in the whole milk and let it cozy up with the rest of the ingredients for another 10-15 minutes.
STEP 7: Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed. This is where you can make it just right for your taste buds.
STEP 8: Now, for the grand finale! Ladle that velvety soup into the hollowed-out bread bowls. Imagine the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they see these delightful creations. It’s a work of art, really!
Tips and Techniques
▪️ When making the roux with butter and flour, be patient. It adds thickness and a rich flavor to your soup. Don’t rush this step.
▪️ Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor twists.
▪️ If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.
▪️ To control the texture, set aside some broccoli florets before blending. Add them back into the soup after blending for a chunkier version.
Serving Size
This heartwarming Crockpot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup, nestled in a cozy bread bowl, generously serves 4 to 6 hungry souls. It’s the perfect portion for a delightful family meal or a small gathering of friends. Ladle it out, savor the goodness, and watch the smiles spread around the table.
Serving Suggestions
▪️ Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of your soup for that gooey, cheesy bliss.
▪️ Pair your soup with a crisp side salad to balance the richness. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette does the trick.
▪️ Serve alongside some warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s the perfect dunking companion.
▪️ Elevate your presentation by garnishing it with fresh chives or crumbled bacon. It adds a burst of flavor and a dash of charm to your meal.
Variations
▪️ Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
▪️ For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the bacon garnish.
▪️ Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage Tips
To preserve your Crockpot Homemade Broccoli Cheddar Soup, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk if needed to maintain the creamy texture. If you prefer to save it for later, freezing is an option (minus the bread bowls) for 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to savor that homemade goodness. Enjoy!
FAQs
Q. Can I freeze this soup?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the soup (without the bread bowls) in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
Q. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the crockpot.
Q. Can I use a different type of bread for the bowls?
Certainly! Any crusty bread will do. Experiment with your favorites.
Q. What can I substitute for nutmeg?
If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can skip it or use a pinch of thyme for a different flavor dimension.
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to create a roux. Cook until it turns light golden brown.
- Transfer the onion mixture to the crockpot.
- Add broccoli florets and chicken/vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or until the broccoli is tender.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a regular blender in batches, taking care with hot liquid.
- Return the soup to the crockpot and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Pour in whole milk and let it warm through for about 10-15 minutes on LOW heat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Ladle the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls.
Notes
- For bread bowls, hollow out a bread loaf, leaving a thick bread wall.
- Take your time with the roux; it thickens and flavors the soup.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer chunky soup, reserve some broccoli florets to add back in after blending.