Description
This comforting Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight made with fresh broccoli, aromatic onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, it offers a rich flavor and smooth texture, perfect for a cozy meal. You can easily make it vegan by using coconut cream and vegan cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add ingredients to crockpot: Place broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth into your crockpot. Mix gently to combine the flavors.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Puree the soup: Using an immersion blender, puree most of the soup directly in the crockpot, ensuring the soup is creamy while leaving some broccoli pieces intact to provide texture.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup. Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with extra shredded cheese or croutons for added flavor and crunch. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend more or all of the soup with the immersion blender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding croutons or crispy bacon bits as a topping can add texture and flavor variety.
