Crockpot Thursday: Easy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

This week has been super busy and super crazy at the Crazy Mom’s house. Kids have their last day of school today and dinner had to be simple. I love soup, and Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Panera Bread is one of my favorite, with a nice fresh crusty bread… yum.. even in a 100 degree weather, I would eat the entire pot .

I decided to make something quick this week and it turned out wonderful. Almost the same taste as at Panera Bread… I’m impressed. I have to admit, Hubby loved it just as much as the Toddler did. The Tween enjoyed it, but the Teen could have cared less. He doesn’t like cheese. What kid doesn’t like cheese???

It was wonderful, even on a HOT summer day, it was a nice meal. Can’t wait to make it again. This defiantly is a keeper in our house now

This is what you will need:

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2/3 cup flour
3 cans (10 1/2 oz. size) chicken broth ( missing in the pic)
3/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 1/4 cup finely chopped celery ( I left out, don’t like celery)
1 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
1 package (16 oz. size) frozen broccoli cuts, rinsed with hot tap water
1 pound pasteurized process cheese spread, cubed
2 cups half & half or whipping cream

This is how to make it:

1. Melt butter in small skillet over medium heat; add onion and sauté until transparent.
2. Transfer to slow cooker and turn slow cooker on LOW.
3. Gradually add flour to slow cooker stirring constantly using a whisk or spoon. Add chicken broth and stir until smooth. Add salt, celery, carrot and broccoli. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on Low 5-6 hours or High 3-4 hours. Add cheese cubes, stirring until melted; then add half & half, stirring to blend.
5. Cover and continue cooking 30 minutes or until soup is hot.

Enjoy with Fresh French Bread…. YUMMMMYYYYY