Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, resulting in a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a luscious, velvety texture that's sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Nutrient-Packed: Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making this soup both tasty and nutritious.
- Diet-Friendly: With low-carb ingredients, this soup aligns perfectly with ketogenic dietary guidelines.
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the broccoli florets, chicken broth, butter, and cream cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend less; for a smoother soup, blend more.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through, serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Cooking Time:
- Low Setting: 4 hours
- High Setting: 2 hours
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken or bacon bits for an extra protein boost.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream cheese, butter, and cheese alternatives to make the soup vegan-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese, butter, and mozzarella with suitable dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream, vegan butter, and plant-based cheese.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Ensure it's thawed and drained to prevent excess liquid in the soup.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Can I freeze this soup?
It's not recommended to freeze this soup, as the texture may change upon reheating.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño pepper during cooking to increase the heat.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or kale can be added for extra nutrients and flavor.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, blend more of the broccoli or add a small amount of xanthan gum, a low-carb thickening agent.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion
This Keto Crockpot Broccoli Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a satisfying meal that's both low in carbs and rich in taste. Its simple preparation and versatility make it a must-try for anyone seeking a comforting, healthy dish.
Keto Crockpot Broccoli Soup
This Keto Crockpot Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food for those on a ketogenic diet. With its creamy texture and delicious flavors of broccoli, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream, it’s the perfect low-carb, gluten-free meal that’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Enjoy this nutrient-packed soup that's rich in vitamins and perfect for those seeking a satisfying, easy-to-make, and diet-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–4 hours (depending on setting)
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup cream cheese
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the broccoli florets, chicken broth, butter, and cream cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the broccoli is tender.
- Blend: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend less; for a smoother soup, blend more.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through, serve hot.
Notes
- Variations: Add cooked chicken bits for extra protein. For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce. To make it vegan, use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding chicken broth or water if needed.
- Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze this soup due to potential texture changes.
