Creamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, add the chopped broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low Heat: Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
4. Blend Soup (Optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the crockpot.
5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the soup to thicken further.
6. Serve: Ladle the creamy broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: You can use either fresh or frozen broccoli florets for this recipe. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it before adding it to the crockpot.
• Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper as desired.
• Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the soup during the last hour of cooking. This will help thicken the soup to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Salad: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad tossed in your favorite vinaigrette dressing for a lighter option.
• Baked Potato: Serve the soup over a baked potato for a hearty and filling meal.

Health Considerations

While Creamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is undeniably delicious, it’s also rich and indulgent. To keep it on the healthier side, you can use low-fat milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese used. You can also add additional vegetables such as carrots or cauliflower for added nutrition.

Variations and Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, including the broth and seasonings, are gluten-free to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
• Add Protein: Boost the protein content of the soup by adding cooked chicken or ham during the last hour of cooking.