What to Serve Alongside This Soup
This creamy broccoli soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that complement its rich, velvety character. A thick slice of crusty baguette or warm garlic bread is perhaps the most natural partner — the bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of cheesy soup from the bowl. A light green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup and rounds out the meal beautifully. For those who want something more substantial, a simple grilled cheese sandwich served alongside makes the combination feel like the ultimate comfort food pairing. You can also garnish the soup itself with additional shredded cheddar, a light sprinkle of paprika, some chopped fresh chives, or a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-quality presentation at home.
Variations and Helpful Tips
One of the most appealing qualities of this recipe is just how adaptable it is. A few variations and tips worth knowing:
- Make it vegan: Substitute the cream cheese with a high-quality non-dairy cream cheese alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the cheddar with a good vegan shredded cheese. The result is surprisingly satisfying and completely plant-based
- Add more vegetables: This soup is an excellent vehicle for sneaking extra vegetables into family meals. Chopped carrots, cauliflower florets, or diced potatoes all work beautifully alongside the broccoli. Add them at the same time as the broccoli at the start of cooking
- Make it heartier: For meat lovers or anyone who wants a more filling, protein-rich version, stir in chunks of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or sliced smoked sausage just before the blending step. The meat adds substance and a wonderful savory depth to the finished soup
- Fresh or frozen broccoli: Both work well in this recipe. If using frozen broccoli, there is no need to thaw it beforehand — simply add it directly to the slow cooker from frozen and proceed as directed. It may take slightly longer to become tender on the low setting
- Adjusting thickness: If you find the finished soup too thick for your taste, simply stir in additional warm broth or a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a soup that is too thin, allow it to cook uncovered on high for the final 15 to 20 minutes, which allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate and thickens the soup naturally
- Spice it up: If your household enjoys more heat, increase the paprika to a full teaspoon and add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with it. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end also works well
