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As the temperatures drop and cozy blankets come out of hibernation, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to provide comfort and nourishment. Soup embodies the essence of comfort food, especially during the colder months when hearty meals are a must for both the body and soul. Among the myriad of soup options, Broccoli Cheese Soup stands out as a beloved classic in American cuisine, marrying the nutritious green goodness of broccoli with the indulgent creaminess of cheese. This Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup takes this classic dish to new heights, offering a perfect blend of health and indulgence that’s ideal for busy lifestyles.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Warm up this season with a bowl of Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup, a comforting classic that's perfect for chilly days. This recipe combines the nutritious goodness of broccoli with rich, cheesy flavor, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Just throw in fresh ingredients, set the timer, and let the flavors meld together. Ideal for busy lifestyles, this soup is nourishing, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy homemade comfort food without the hassle!

Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (approx. 1 large head of broccoli)

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if preferred)

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

1 medium potato, peeled and diced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)

1 cup heavy cream (or cashew cream for a vegan alternative)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar)

Optional: Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into uniform small florets. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and carefully peel and dice the carrots and potato.

    Combine in Slow Cooker: In the basin of your slow cooker, layer in the fresh broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced potato.

      Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Gently stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.

        Cook: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to low heat and allow the soup to simmer for 4-6 hours, or switch to high heat for 2-3 hours. The vegetables should become tender during this time.

          Blend for Creaminess: Once the cooking time is complete and the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred texture (smooth or slightly chunky). If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully ladle batches of the soup into a countertop blender, blending until smooth, and then return it to the slow cooker.

            Stir in Cream and Cheese: After blending, add in the heavy cream (or cashew cream) and the shredded cheddar cheese. Set the slow cooker back to low heat and let the soup warm for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is luxuriously creamy.

              Serve: Ladle the rich, creamy soup into bowls. For an elegant touch, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. This soup is perfect alongside crusty bread or crispy crackers for dipping.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours (including cooking) | Servings: 6-8 servings

                  Optional Presentation Tips: For a stylish presentation, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of each bowl and sprinkle with extra cheese before garnishing with herbs. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!