Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.