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Easy Crockpot Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe (Kid-Approved)

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This creamy, cheesy crockpot cheddar broccoli soup is a dump-and-go recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a kid-approved comfort food that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (2% works too)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 3 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Extra shredded cheddar (for garnish)
  • Croutons (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Peel and chop the stems. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Shred the cheddar cheese.
  2. Place the chopped broccoli, diced onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in the broth. Add the butter, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg if using. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is very tender.
  4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup to your desired consistency. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool for 10 minutes, then blend in batches.
  5. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream (if using). Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted.
  6. If a thicker soup is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the soup and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika as needed.
  8. Ladle into bowls and top with extra shredded cheddar, croutons, and fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block to avoid grainy texture. Add cheese after turning off the heat to prevent separation. The soup thickens as it cools and tastes even better the next day. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot cheddar broccoli soup, easy broccoli cheese soup, slow cooker broccoli soup, kid-friendly soup, dump and go soup

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-crockpot-cheddar-broccoli-soup-recipe-kid-approved/