Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

INGREDIENTS

4 tbsp

butter

5 tbsp

flour

3 cups

milk (I like fat free half & half, use your favorite. The higher the fat content - such as heavy cream - the creamier and richer your soup will be)

3 cups

chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)

1/2

onion, diced

3 cups

chopped broccoli florets (just the bushy tops - discard the stems or use them for another recipe)

1 tbsp

minced garlic

1 tsp

Italian seasoning

2 oz

cream cheese

2 cups

shredded sharp cheddar cheese (yellow)

2 tsp

salt (or to taste)

1 tsp

black pepper (or to taste)

optional: extra cheese for topping