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Cozy Crockpot Loaded Cheddar Broccoli Soup – Easy Best

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This velvety, cheesy Crockpot Loaded Cheddar Broccoli Soup is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. With tender broccoli, shredded carrots, and a creamy cheddar base thickened by a secret potato, it’s a dump-and-go dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 large carrot, shredded
  • 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from a block)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics (5 minutes): Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Layer everything in the crockpot (5 minutes): Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the broccoli florets, shredded carrot, diced potato, and broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  3. Slow cook the base (3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low): Cover and cook until the broccoli and potato are fork-tender. The potato should mash easily when pressed against the side of the pot.
  4. Blend half the soup (5 minutes): Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup directly in the crockpot. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer about 3 cups of the soup (mostly the liquid and softer pieces) to the blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
  5. Add the milk and cheese (5 minutes): Stir in the milk. Then, with the slow cooker turned off or on warm, gradually add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding the next.
  6. Season and finish (2 minutes): Stir in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite loaded soup fixings.

Notes

Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt. Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic—raw aromatics in a slow cooker can taste harsh. For a thicker soup, blend more of the soup or mash some potato pieces. For a lower-carb version, swap the potato for 2 cups of cauliflower florets.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot broccoli cheese soup, slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup, loaded broccoli soup, easy broccoli soup, comfort food soup, gluten-free soup, vegetarian soup option

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/cozy-crockpot-loaded-cheddar-broccoli-soup-easy-best/