I’ve got to say, this deliciously light broccoli cheddar soup has become my go-to comfort dish. It’s warm, creamy, and guilt-free, which is a pretty fantastic combo, right? When I toss everything into the slow cooker, I can practically hear my taste buds cheering. And the best part? You can blend it smooth or keep it chunky—your call. So, what’s stopping you from whipping this up? Let’s explore the details so you can impress everyone at your next gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You mightn’t think of broccoli as a superstar ingredient, but once you try this broccoli cheddar soup, you’ll be a believer. Seriously, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s good for you—hello, skinny broccoli cheddar soup!
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is. You just toss everything in a crockpot and let it work its magic. And the balance of creamy cheese and fresh broccoli? It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Plus, if you want to feel fancy, you can blend it until smooth. Trust me, no one’s going to believe it’s low-calorie. So, why not give it a shot? You might just end up as obsessed as I’m with this comforting delight.
Equipment List
When you’re whipping up this deliciously comforting broccoli cheddar soup, having the right equipment makes all the difference.
Grab a sturdy pot or a slow cooker for that slow-cooked magic. You’ll need a sharp knife; trust me, wrestling with broccoli isn’t fun. A cutting board is essential, unless you enjoy kitchen chaos.
A whisk is your best friend for mixing the flour and butter; it’s like a mini workout. Don’t forget measuring cups—accurate measurements are key!
For a smooth finish, an immersion blender works wonders, though a regular blender can do the trick too (just watch out for splatters).
With these tools, you’re well on your way to creamy soup perfection, minus the fuss. Gourmet kitchen gear can elevate your cooking experience even further. Happy cooking!
Our Ingredients
When it comes to crafting a cozy pot of broccoli cheddar soup, the right ingredients can make all the difference. You want that perfect blend of creamy goodness and that delightful cheese flavor that warms you from the inside out.
Plus, since we’re doing a healthier twist with this skinny version, just know that you won’t be sacrificing any of the deliciousness—we love a good guilt-free win in the kitchen! Now, let’s gather what we need.
Here’s your grocery list of ingredients for the tastiest broccoli cheddar soup:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 32 oz chicken stock
- 5 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 block fat-free cream cheese, cubed
- 3/4 cup 2% evaporated milk
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, before you dash off to the store, let’s take a moment to contemplate a few things. If you’re a broccoli fan, fresh florets are ideal—they bring that vibrant green color and a lovely crunch.
But hey, frozen broccoli works too, especially when you need a quick fix. Don’t forget, if you’re sensitive to dairy but still want to enjoy the cheesy goodness, you can hunt for dairy-free cheeses that melt well.
Just reading that made me ponder if my cheese-loving heart could ever embrace such substitutes. And remember, seasoning is everything! Don’t be shy; taste your soup as you go.
It’s like being a mad scientist—everything can always use more salt or pepper. Happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a cozy pot of Broccoli Cheddar Soup isn’t only delightful but also pretty straightforward. Get ready to whip up something creamy and comforting that will warm your heart and belly. Let’s explore the steps that will transform those simple ingredients into a luscious soup your family will adore.
- Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s nice and melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until it forms a smooth paste. This is your roux, and it’s going to help thicken your soup beautifully.
- Gradually pour in 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Be patient here—lumpy soup isn’t part of the game plan. You want it to thicken just a bit, which should take a couple of minutes.
- Now, transfer your lovely roux into a crockpot (welcome to the magic of slow cooking). Pour in 32 ounces of chicken stock along with 5 cups of broccoli florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, no worries; it will cook perfectly in the crockpot. Set it to cook on high for about 4 hours.
- After the hours have gone by and your kitchen smells amazing, it’s showtime! Stir in 1 block of fat-free cream cheese (cubed), 3/4 cup of 2% evaporated milk, 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese, and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all that cheesy goodness until well combined. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes on high. This is where the magic happens—the cheeses melt into the soup, creating that creamy delight we all crave.
- If you love a smooth soup, grab your immersion blender and blend until silky. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works fine too—just be careful with hot liquids (Tip: let it cool a bit or blend in batches).
And voilà! You’ve just made a delicious bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s nothing short of comforting. Taste it, and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning.
Is it too creamy? Too cheesy? There’s no such thing! This soup is all about finding that perfect balance for your palate. Enjoy every hearty spoonful, and perhaps share a bowl with someone who loves broccoli as much as you do. Happy cooking! Plus, having the right tools in your kitchen can make this recipe even easier, so don’t forget to check out premium baking equipment for enhancing your cooking experience!
Tips & Variations
There’s something really exciting about personalizing your Broccoli Cheddar Soup, and let me tell you, the options are practically endless.
First off, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different veggies—carrots or spinach work great. You could swap the cheddar for a sharper cheese like Gruyère, if you’re fancy like that.
And if you’re like me, always searching for more flavor, a dash of garlic powder or cayenne can take things up a notch.
Want it creamy? A splash of heavy cream could do the trick. I’ve even added cooked chicken to make it more filling.
How to Serve?
Serving up broccoli cheddar soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day—it’s all about comfort.
I love to ladle it straight into warm bowls, letting the steam curl up and fill the room with that savory aroma. You can sprinkle some extra cheddar or Parmesan on top for a little added cheesiness—because, let’s be honest, is there ever too much cheese?
Pair it with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget to have a spoon nearby, of course.
Sometimes I even pour it into a bread bowl; I mean, why not make the dish edible too? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Storage & Reheating Guide
While you might want to devour every last drop of that delicious broccoli cheddar soup right away, knowing how to store and reheat it properly can really extend your enjoyment.
First, let the soup cool completely—trust me, no one likes a burnt tongue.
Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later.
When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw it overnight if frozen.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, but cover it to avoid splatters—I’ve learned that the hard way.
Just be sure to add a splash of water or almond milk, so it doesn’t get too thick. Additionally, storing your ingredients in an Onion & Garlic Keeper can help to maintain their freshness before you use them in delicious recipes like this one.
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Cooking can be such a joy, especially when you whip up something as comforting as broccoli cheddar soup. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it always hits the spot. It feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy! You just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work. I mean, who doesn’t love a recipe that practically cooks itself? And if you’re feeling fancy, blend it for that creamy texture.
Oh, and don’t forget to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s your soup, after all. So, grab your ladle, invite some friends over, and enjoy this delicious creation. Trust me, they’ll think you’re a kitchen genius.
