Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Made with fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety broth, this soup is both hearty and delicious. The best part? It’s made in a slow cooker, making it easy to prepare and letting the flavors blend together perfectly while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main course, this broccoli cheese soup is sure to be a hit.

What is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup?

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, rich soup that combines tender broccoli florets with a smooth, cheesy broth. It’s made in the slow cooker, allowing for hands-off cooking while the flavors meld together. With its thick, comforting texture and cheesy goodness, this soup is a satisfying meal on its own or served with bread on the side.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker makes this soup incredibly easy to prepare—just add the ingredients and let it cook.
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and a creamy base makes for a rich, indulgent soup.
Perfect for Cold Days: This hearty soup is warm and comforting, ideal for cold weather.

Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well and can be reheated for an easy meal later in the week.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

½ teaspoon ground mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small florets, and chop the onion and garlic.
Set aside the cheese: Grate the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese and set aside for later.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place ingredients in the slow cooker: Add the chopped broccoli, onion, garlic, and butter to the slow cooker.
Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
Season: Add the ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Set the slow cooker: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Blend the soup: Once the broccoli is tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks of broccoli for texture or blend it completely smooth.
Thicken the soup (optional): If you want a thicker soup, whisk together the flour with a small amount of the soup liquid to create a slurry, then stir it back into the soup. Cook for an additional 20 minutes on low to thicken.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Cream

Stir in the cheese and cream: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and heavy cream until fully melted and smooth. Continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes on low to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

What Goes Well with Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese: Pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Crackers: Add crunchy crackers or croutons for texture.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Don’t add the cheese too early: Add the cheese at the end of cooking to avoid it becoming grainy.
Blend carefully: If you want a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a flour slurry or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Choose good-quality cheese: For the best flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Bacon Broccoli Cheese Soup: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the soup instead of regular flour.
Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup: Replace half of the broccoli with cauliflower for a delicious variation.

Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later: Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup: Best Practices

Stovetop method: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.

Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Healthier?

To make this recipe lighter, try the following adjustments:

Use low-fat milk or cream: Replace the heavy cream with low-fat milk or half-and-half to reduce the fat content.

Increase vegetables: Add more vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or carrots for added nutrients.
Reduce cheese: Use less cheese or substitute with a lighter version of cheddar for a healthier option.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

Calories: 320

Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 720mg

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

FAQs

Can I freeze broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, broccoli cheese soup can be frozen, but cream-based soups may separate when thawed. To prevent this, cool the soup completely and freeze in airtight containers. When reheating, stir the soup well and add a little extra cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.

How do I keep broccoli cheese soup from becoming grainy?

To prevent broccoli cheese soup from becoming grainy, add the cheese slowly at the end of cooking over low heat. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese, as high heat can cause the cheese to separate.

Can I use frozen broccoli in broccoli cheese soup?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe. Add the frozen broccoli directly to the slow cooker without thawing, and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the broccoli is tender.

How do I thicken broccoli cheese soup?

To thicken broccoli cheese soup, you can make a slurry by mixing flour or cornstarch with a little water or broth, then stir it into the soup. Alternatively, you can blend part of the soup to give it a thicker consistency without adding any extra ingredients.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup is a creamy, delicious dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The slow cooker makes this recipe easy and hands-off, while the sharp cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli bring out classic flavors that everyone will love.

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