Toss broccoli and cream cheese in the slow cooker for a hearty, no-fuss mea

1. Place the broccoli, onion, and garlic into the bowl of your slow cooker.

2. Pour the broth over the  vegetables. Make sure the liquid level is just enough to cover the veggies; you can adjust accordingly.

3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

4. Once the broccoli is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup inside the slow cooker to your desired smoothness. If you do not have an immersion blender, carefully blend in batches using a regular blender.

5. Stir in the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth.

6. Cover and let it cook on low for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and creamy.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Variations & Tips

For those with picky eaters or dietary restrictions, this soup is quite versatile. You can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative for a vegan version—just make sure to also switch the broth to vegetable and use vegan cheese. To sneak in more vegetables, consider adding carrots or cauliflower along with the broccoli. If you have meat lovers in the family, chunks of pre-cooked chicken or sausage can be added just before pureeing for a heartier meal.