Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup

My Go-To Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup: A Recipe for Busy Weeknights

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the family fed can feel like a constant marathon. That's why I rely heavily on my slow cooker – it's my secret weapon for creating delicious, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. And this Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup is a prime example of its efficiency and deliciousness.

This recipe isn't just convenient; it's a crowd-pleaser. I've taken this soup to countless potlucks, teacher appreciation lunches, and even family gatherings, and it always disappears faster than you can say "Cordon Bleu." The creamy, cheesy broth, infused with the savory flavors of chicken, ham, and a hint of white wine, is irresistible. The crispy croutons add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the rich soup. It's a symphony of textures and tastes, all achieved with minimal effort.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's easily adaptable to your preferences. Don't have white wine? A little extra chicken broth works just as well. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go for it! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect blend. Some days, I add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless!

This soup is also wonderfully adaptable to different schedules. The beauty of the slow cooker is that you can throw everything in the morning and come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal. It's the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you're short on time but still want a nourishing and satisfying dinner. Even better, it's freezer-friendly. I often make a double batch, freeze half for another time, and save myself even more precious time down the road.

Beyond the practicality, this soup holds sentimental value. When my son's school put together a cookbook, this was the very first recipe he asked me to submit. The teachers loved it, and it brought me so much joy to see his pride in sharing a little piece of our family traditions. It’s a testament to the power of simple, well-made food to bring people together. And that, perhaps, is the most rewarding part of all.

Beyond the Recipe: A Slow Cooker Love Story

My slow cooker isn't just an appliance; it's my culinary confidante. It's witnessed countless experiments, triumphs, and the occasional culinary mishap (we've all been there!). It’s a silent partner in my kitchen, working tirelessly while I focus on other things. It’s a constant in a world of chaos, always delivering dependable results.

From hearty stews to tender pulled pork, from flavorful chili to this amazing Cordon Bleu soup, my slow cooker has become an indispensable part of my cooking routine. It’s helped me master the art of efficient cooking, freeing up time for the things that truly matter – spending quality time with family, pursuing my passions, and simply enjoying the everyday moments.

So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and incredibly convenient recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights, or a dish to impress your friends and family, give this Slow Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup a try. You won’t be disappointed. And perhaps, you'll discover the magic of slow cooking too.

Ingredients:

For the soup:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup white wine (or additional broth)
• 8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 pound diced rotisserie chicken
• 1/2 pound diced deli ham

For the croutons:

• 4 cups cubed French bread
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-step

• For croutons, preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder and pepper. Add bread cubes; toss to coat. Transfer croutons to a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the next five ingredients; pour in broth. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender, about 2 hours.
• Increase slow cooker heat setting to high. Mix flour and water until smooth; whisk flour mixture into broth. Cook until thickened, 30-40 minutes. Stir in wine.
• Whisk in cheeses until melted. Add chicken and ham; heat through. Serve with croutons.
• Freeze option: Before adding croutons, freeze cooled soup in freezer containers. Freeze croutons separately. To use, partially thaw soup in refrigerator overnight. Heat soup through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if necessary. While soup is heating, thaw croutons at room temperature; sprinkle over soup.