Description

A rich, creamy slow-cooker soup featuring broccoli, carrots, onions, potatoes, and melted cheddar and cream cheese perfect for busy weeknights, cold-weather comfort, or easy meal prep. Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegetarian or dairy-free.

Ingredients

– 6 cups broccoli florets

– 1 cup chopped onion

– 1 cup shredded carrots

– 2 oz cream cheese, cubed

– 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)

– 2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or dairy-free alternative)

– 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

– 1 tablespoon minced garlic

– ⅓ cup cornstarch

– ½ teaspoon kosher salt

– ¼ teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

Place broccoli, onion, carrots, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or on LOW for 6–8 hours, until vegetables are tender.
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the soup.
Add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and soup is smooth (about 15–30 minutes on LOW).
(Optional) Use an immersion blender to partially blend for a creamier texture leave some chunks for heartiness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

– Freshly shred your cheese to avoid graininess caused by anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese.

– Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and ensure cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

– Dairy-free/vegan: Substitute with unsweetened plant-based milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan cheddar or 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.

– Thicker soup? Blend more. Too thick? Stir in extra broth or milk when reheating.

– Frozen broccoli works add frozen and reduce cook time by 30–60 minutes.

– Freezing tip: Cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (on HIGH) or 8 hours (on LOW)
Category: Soup / Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1½ cups)
Calories: ~280
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 780mg (varies with broth and cheese use low-sodium versions to reduce)
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg