Slow Cooker Cheese Broccoli with Almonds
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Cheese Broccoli with Almonds—a rich, creamy side dish that’s effortlessly satisfying. Tender broccoli florets are slow-cooked in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of garlic, creating a velvety cheese sauce that envelops every bite. A topping of golden, toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, perfectly balancing the creamy textures. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elevated dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even as a light vegetarian main. Serve it warm with crusty bread or alongside your favorite roasted proteins for a deliciously cheesy touch to any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the broccoli by washing it thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets, if not already pre-cut.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened.
In the base of a slow cooker, add the broccoli florets, sautéed onion and garlic, cream cheese (cut into small cubes), shredded cheddar cheese, butter, milk, salt, and black pepper.
Gently stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the broccoli is evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 3.5 to 4 hours, stirring halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
While the broccoli cooks, toast the almonds. Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat and add the sliced almonds. Toast them, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove them from the skillet to prevent overcooking and set aside to cool.
Once the broccoli is cooked and the cheese sauce is fully combined, give the mixture a final stir and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Transfer the cheese broccoli to a serving dish and sprinkle the toasted almonds evenly over the top.
Serve warm as a side or pair it with crusty bread for a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.4 g | 292% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.3 g | 576% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 553 mg | 184% | |
| Sodium | 3596 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.3 g | 87% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.9 g | ||
| Protein | 112.8 g | 226% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 2626 mg | 202% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1630 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
