Crockpot Broccoli Soup

Warm up your day with this delicious Crockpot Broccoli Soup, a perfect blend of creamy and savory flavors. Packed with nutritious broccoli and vibrant carrots, this hearty soup is both comforting and easy to prepare. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work for you.

With the richness of cheddar cheese and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that’s great for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl of goodness that warms the soul!

Crockpot Broccoli Soup

Ingredients

1 cup grated carrots

5 cups of broccoli florets

1 small onion diced well

3 cloves of garlic, freshly minced

1 tsp oregano

¼ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 ½ cups of chicken broth, low sodium

1 can evaporated milk

2 ounces reduced fat cream cheese, do not use fat free

8 ounces of freshly grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

Place the onion, garlic, carrots and the broccoli inside the bowl on the crockpot

Cut up the cream cheese and toss it in

Sprinkle the nutmeg, oregano and chicken broth into the crock pot

Stir to combine well

Cover and cook for 2 hours on high, or on low for 4 hours

Remove the lid and stir in the evaporated milk

Using your blender or food processor, spoon about half of the soup into the container and pulse until most of the florets have ground up

Carefully pour this back into the crockpot and place the cover back on

Let this cook for 10 minutes, or until the soup is hot all through

Sprinkle with the salt and pepper

Sprinkle in the grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Stir well to combine

Place the cover back on and cook until the cheese is melted

Add additional salt and pepper to taste

Serve warm

Enjoy!

Notes:

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Cheese Options: If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the Sharp Cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese.

Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative instead of evaporated milk.

Texture Preference: If you like a chunkier soup, blend only a portion of the soup and mix it back in. Adjust the blending time for your desired consistency.

Seasoning Adjustments: Taste before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking. Adding a squeeze of lemon can brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Garnish Ideas: Top with croutons, extra cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley for added flair.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used! Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing.

Cooking times may remain the same, but check for tenderness.

Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?

To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

All other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese and a non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) instead of evaporated milk.

You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

It also freezes well for up to a month.

Reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

You can also garnish it with croutons, extra cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.

Do I need to pre-cook any ingredients?

No, you don’t need to pre-cook any ingredients.

Simply chop everything and add it directly to the crockpot.

The slow cooking will soften the vegetables perfectly.

How long can I cook the soup?

You can cook the soup on high for about 2 hours or low for about 4 hours.

If you need to cook it longer, it’s safe to leave it on low for up to 6-8 hours, but be careful not to overcook the vegetables.

Can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

Yes! If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of it.

For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or water until you reach your desired thickness.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream, half-and-half, or even regular milk as a substitute.

Just be aware that the texture and richness may vary slightly.

Can I add protein to the soup?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, white beans, or even tofu for added protein.

Just stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to warm it through.