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Easy Kid-Approved Crockpot Cheddar Broccoli Soup

crockpot cheddar broccoli soup - featured image
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This creamy, velvety broccoli cheddar soup is made entirely in the slow cooker with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. It’s a picky eater-approved comfort food that turns a humble vegetable into a cheesy, delicious meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz frozen broccoli florets (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add frozen broccoli florets, diced onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot. Pour in the broth. Do not stir. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until broccoli is very tender.
  2. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture in the crockpot until completely smooth (about 60 seconds). If using a regular blender, work in batches, filling no more than halfway and venting the lid. Return puree to crockpot and set to WARM.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until pale golden and nutty. Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until thickened and bubbling, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour the thickened milk mixture into the blended broccoli puree. Stir well. Add the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted. Add nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Cover and let sit on WARM for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Do not let it boil. Serve warm.

Notes

Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest texture. Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling. For a gluten-free version, substitute 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with cold water for the flour. The soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of milk when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, slow cooker soup, kid-friendly soup, easy broccoli soup, creamy cheese soup, budget-friendly dinner, one-pot meal

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