Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot!!!

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for any time of the year. This Crock Pot version makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you go about your day. With a rich and creamy texture, this soup is packed with the flavors of cheddar cheese and tender broccoli, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onion:
   • In a small skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Crock Pot:
   • Combine the sautéed onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed Velveeta cheese, and frozen chopped broccoli in the Crock Pot.
3. Cook on Low:
   • Set the Crock Pot to the low setting and cook for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the soup is well combined.
4. Serve:
   • Once the soup is hot and creamy, give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy this comforting Broccoli Cheese Soup with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients:
   • Top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
2. Serve with Crusty Bread:
   • Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks for dipping. The warm, cheesy soup pairs perfectly with a crunchy, toasty bread.
3. Add a Side Salad:
   • Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich and creamy texture of the soup.
4. Use as a Sauce:
   • This soup can also double as a sauce over baked potatoes or pasta for a comforting, cheesy dish.
5. Make it a Complete Meal:
   • Add cooked chicken or ham to the soup for extra protein, making it a heartier main course.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating:
   • Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing:
   • Broccoli Cheese Soup can be frozen for longer storage. Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating:
   • To reheat refrigerated soup, place it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove.
4. Avoiding Separation:
   • When reheating, especially after freezing, stir frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creamy consistency if needed.
5. Portioning for Easy Use:
   • If you plan to freeze the soup, consider portioning it into smaller containers or freezer bags. This makes it easy to thaw just the amount you need for a single meal.

These serving and storage tips ensure that your Broccoli Cheese Soup remains delicious and enjoyable whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight with family and friends!

Variations:

1. Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the soup. This variation adds extra protein and makes the soup heartier, turning it into a complete meal.

2. Bacon Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Fry 6-8 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble them, and stir into the soup just before serving. The smoky flavor of bacon complements the creamy cheese and broccoli.

3. Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup:

• Details: Add 2-3 peeled and diced potatoes to the soup. Cook until tender. The potatoes add extra thickness and heartiness to the soup.

4. Spicy Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. This variation adds a spicy kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.

5. Cauliflower Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Substitute half of the broccoli with cauliflower florets. This adds variety in texture and flavor, making the soup more interesting.

6. Broccoli Cheese Soup with Carrots:

• Details: Add 1 cup of shredded or finely diced carrots to the soup. The carrots add a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.

7. Low-Carb Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Use heavy cream instead of milk and replace the Velveeta cheese with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese. This variation is perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

8. Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup:

• Details: Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, the butter with vegan margarine, and use a vegan cheese substitute. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade vegan version made from vegetable broth and a roux of flour and vegan butter.

9. Broccoli Cheese Soup with Beer:

• Details: Replace half of the milk with a light beer. The beer adds a unique depth of flavor and richness to the soup.

10. Broccoli Cheese Soup with Herbs:

• Details: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or a mixture of Italian herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can be added just before serving for an aromatic twist.

These variations provide numerous ways to customize Broccoli Cheese Soup to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version!

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
   • Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Just chop it into small pieces and add it to the crock pot. It may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.
2. Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese with another type of cheese?
   • Yes, you can use shredded cheddar cheese or a combination of cheddar and other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby. However, Velveeta melts smoothly and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
3. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
   • Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk), and dairy-free cheese alternatives. You may also want to use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version.
4. How can I make this soup thicker?
   • If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water. Stir this into the soup and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or cauliflower. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
6. Can this soup be made ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the crock pot on low until it’s warmed through.
7. How do I store leftovers?
   • Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months.
8. What should I do if the soup is too salty?
   • If the soup is too salty, you can add a splash of milk or cream to dilute the saltiness. Adding a peeled potato to the soup while it cooks can also help absorb some of the excess salt.
9. Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken?
   • Yes, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a broccoli cheese soup as a substitute for cream of chicken. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still be delicious.
10. Can I cook this soup on high in the crock pot?
    • While it’s best to cook this soup on low to allow the flavors to meld together, you can cook it on high for 1.5-2 hours if you’re short on time. Just keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.

These FAQs should help address common questions and concerns about making Broccoli Cheese Soup in the crock pot, ensuring a smooth and delicious cooking experience!