Description
This creamy crockpot cheddar broccoli soup is a crowd-pleasing party side that tastes like it simmered all day but requires minimal effort. With a velvety texture and sharp cheddar flavor, it’s perfect for potlucks, game nights, or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture forms a thick paste and smells slightly nutty.
- Add the broth slowly: Pour in about 1 cup of the broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add the remaining broth and whisk until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
- Transfer to the crockpot: Pour the broth mixture into your slow cooker. Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Add the broccoli: Gently stir in the broccoli florets, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Blend if desired: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving about half chunky for texture. If using a regular blender, work in batches and be careful with hot liquid.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Keep warm for serving: Switch the crockpot to the WARM setting until ready to serve.
Notes
Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest texture. Add cheese at the end of cooking to prevent it from breaking. For a thicker soup, use a cornstarch slurry. This soup tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW) or 2 hours (on HIGH)
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 16
Keywords: crockpot cheddar broccoli soup, creamy broccoli soup, party side dish, slow cooker soup, cheddar broccoli soup