If you're on the hunt for a cozy, creamy delight that warms the soul, look no further than this Crockpot Express Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a bowl of this velvety goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch. With its vibrant green broccoli and rich cheddar, this American classic not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a nutritious punch. Ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a homemade soup that’s bursting with flavor!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the broccoli florets into uniform bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Set the Crockpot Express to the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly soft, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the Crockpot Express, then add the broccoli florets. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Close the lid and set the Crockpot Express to the Soup function, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture.
- 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.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional shredded cheese, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop your broccoli and onions ahead of time. You can even store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions and garlic first enhances their flavors and adds depth to your soup.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the mixture. For a chunkier texture, blend just a portion, leaving plenty of broccoli pieces intact.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with extra shredded cheese, fresh chives, or a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
