Craving a warm, comforting, and cheesy bowl of goodness? Look no further than this slow cooker cheesy broccoli soup recipe! This dish is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and packed with flavor. It's the ultimate comfort food, ready to warm you from the inside out. Let's dive into the delicious details.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Soup So Special?
This recipe isn't just your average broccoli soup. The slow cooker works its magic, allowing the broccoli to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying soup that's surprisingly simple to achieve. We're talking minimal chopping, minimal effort, and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: croutons, bacon bits, extra cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the broccoli is very tender.
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Cheese Please!: Once the broccoli is cooked through, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
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Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as croutons, bacon bits, or extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You may not need to cook it for as long, so start checking for tenderness around the 4-hour mark if using frozen broccoli on low.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Gruyere, or even a blend of your favorites would work wonderfully.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free chicken broth or vegetable broth. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Stir in the cheese and serve.
This slow cooker cheesy broccoli soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy!
