Broccoli & Cheese Soup Slow Cooker

Indulge in a comforting bowl of homemade broccoli and cheese soup made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Packed with nutritious broccoli, carrots, and flavorful seasonings, this creamy soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups chopped broccoli florets (about 16 ounces)
• 1 cup grated carrots (freshly grated or pre-cut julienne carrots)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (do not use fat-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 can (12 ounces) 2% evaporated milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Chop the broccoli into florets, grate the carrots, finely dice the onion, and mince the garlic.

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:

• Place the chopped broccoli, grated carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker.
• Add the reduced-fat cream cheese, dried oregano, freshly grated nutmeg, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

1. Cook the Soup:

• Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

1. Puree the Soup:

• Remove the lid and stir in the evaporated milk.
• Use an immersion blender to puree about 3/4 of the soup until mostly smooth, leaving some broccoli chunks for texture. Alternatively, puree the soup in batches in a food processor or blender.
• Recover the soup and let it cook on low for an additional 10 minutes until warmed through.

1. Add Seasonings and Cheese:

• Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and grated sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Description and Tips:

Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup is a simple and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Here are some tips to ensure success with this recipe:

• Vegetable Prep: Take the time to properly chop and prepare the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker for even cooking and optimal flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Pureeing a portion of the soup creates a creamy base while still leaving some broccoli texture for a well-balanced consistency.
• Cheese Selection: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for its robust flavor, which pairs perfectly with the earthy broccoli and sweet carrots.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences.

With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and nutritious ingredients, Slow Cooker Broccoli & Cheese Soup is a comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy the convenience of slow cooking and the delicious flavors of homemade soup with this easy recipe!