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Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Crockpot broccoli cheddar soup cooks low and slow until the broccoli is very tender, then gets partly blended for a creamy texture with tender pieces throughout. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts into the warm soup for a rich, cheesy finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 7 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 17 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion medium, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 6 cups broccoli florets about 1.5 pounds
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 0.5 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart slow cooker
  • 1 immersion blender

Method
 

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Whisk the flour into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth and bring just to a simmer.
  6. Pour the broth mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  7. Add the broccoli, carrots, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the broccoli is very tender.
  9. Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup, leaving some broccoli pieces intact.
  10. Set the slow cooker to WARM and stir in the cream.
  11. Add the cheddar by handfuls, stirring until melted; do not let the soup boil.

Notes

Add the freshly shredded cheddar by handfuls while the slow cooker is on WARM to help it melt smoothly. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the cream and cheese may separate. For a vegetarian variation, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.