Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

### Instructions for Making Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

#### 1. **Sauté the Vegetables**
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. This step brings out the sweetness of the onions and the aroma of the garlic, creating a flavorful base for your soup. Once done, transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the Crock Pot.

#### 2. **Prepare the Broccoli**
Add the broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) to the Crock Pot. If using fresh broccoli, cut the florets into smaller pieces for even cooking.

#### 3. **Add Broth and Seasonings**
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the Crock Pot, and stir in the salt, pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper (if using). The broth will form the base of the soup, while the seasonings will add layers of flavor.

#### 4. **Cook the Soup**
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on **low** for about **4-6 hours** or on **high** for **2-3 hours**, until the broccoli is tender and fully cooked. If you want the broccoli to retain some texture, you can cook it for less time, but if you prefer a more blended texture, feel free to let it cook longer.

#### 5. **Thicken the Soup (Optional)**
To thicken the soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the soup about 30 minutes before serving. The flour will help create a creamier, thicker texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip this step and enjoy a slightly thinner soup.

#### 6. **Add the Cream and Cheese**
Once the broccoli is tender, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. If the soup seems too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

#### 7. **Taste and Adjust Seasonings**
Give the soup a taste, and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese if you prefer a richer flavor.

#### 8. **Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, or freshly chopped parsley. Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

### Why This Recipe Works

– **Convenience of the Crock Pot**: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep and the convenience of the Crock Pot, you can set it to cook and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to hover over the stove.

– **Creamy and Rich**: The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese creates the perfect creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent. The cheese melts beautifully, giving the soup that classic cheesy richness that pairs so well with the broccoli.

– **Healthy Twist**: Although creamy and decadent, this soup is also filled with nutritious vegetables. Broccoli is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this soup a healthier option without compromising on flavor.

– **Customizable**: You can customize the recipe by adding extras like crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. The recipe is flexible, so you can adapt it to suit your taste.

### Tips and Variations

– **Make It Lighter**: For a lighter version of this soup, you can use half-and-half or milk in place of the heavy cream. You can also opt for a reduced-fat cheese, though it may not melt as smoothly as full-fat cheddar.

– **Add More Veggies**: If you want to increase the vegetable content, try adding carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach to the soup. These will complement the broccoli and add more texture and flavor.

– **Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli**: Fresh broccoli is great for texture, while frozen broccoli is a convenient option when fresh isn’t available. Both work well in this soup, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

– **Spicy Kick**: To give your soup a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a few slices of jalapeño while cooking. The heat will balance out the creamy richness of the soup.

– **Vegan Option**: For a vegan version of this soup, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute, and use plant-based cheese. You can also skip the butter and use olive oil instead.

### Conclusion

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of cheese with the nutritious goodness of broccoli. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or when you’re simply in the mood for something warm and comforting. With its cheesy, velvety texture and tender broccoli, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s the kind of dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser, and the slow-cooked flavors make it even more delicious. Whether you’re serving it to your family or enjoying a quiet night in, Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup will make every spoonful a moment of comfort.