Warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of creamy, dreamy Crockpot Express Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This delightful American classic combines fresh broccoli florets, vibrant carrots, and rich cheddar cheese, all cooked to perfection in just 45 minutes. Imagine a cozy evening with the aroma of this luscious soup wafting through your home, inviting everyone to gather around the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to dive into the recipe that will have your family begging for seconds? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, shredding carrots, and finely chopping onions.
- Turn on the Crockpot Express or multicooker and select the sauté function. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and vegetable broth to the Crockpot Express. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Close the lid and set the multicooker to the soup or manual pressure cooking mode. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables become tender but not mushy.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender and pulse briefly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional shredded cheese, fresh cracked black pepper, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your vegetables a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don't skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions until translucent enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the soup's flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend it longer with the immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on flavor.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy croutons for added texture.
- Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
