Oh, soup! Is there anything more comforting on a chilly day? I think not! And let me tell you, this Crockpot Wedding Soup? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously, it’s so easy to throw together, and the crockpot does all the work. I first had Crockpot Wedding Soup at my cousin Maria’s wedding shower (hence the name, duh!), and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s just *perfect* for potlucks, family dinners, or honestly, just a cozy night in when you don’t feel like cooking. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years, making it my own little family secret. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Wedding Soup

Effortless Crockpot Wedding Soup

Okay, let’s be real – who has time to stand over a stove all day? Not me! This Crockpot Wedding Soup is seriously dump-and-go. You basically toss everything in, set it, and forget it. And the cleanup? A breeze!

Hearty and Flavorful Crockpot Wedding Soup

This isn’t some wimpy soup, folks. We’re talking rich, savory broth, perfectly seasoned sausage, and that adorable acini de pepe pasta. My favorite part is how all the flavors meld together as it simmers. Mmm!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a busy weeknight when you need something quick and easy, or a potluck where you want to impress, this Crockpot Wedding Soup has you covered. It’s seriously versatile!

Crockpot Wedding Soup Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic happens. Don’t skimp on quality – it really makes a difference. I always say, happy ingredients, happy soup!

Meats

You’ll want 1 pound of Italian sausage. Make sure you get it removed from the casings. Trust me; it’s easier to brown that way!

Vegetables

Grab 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped celery. I usually just give everything a rough chop – nothing fancy needed here!

Broth and Pasta

The base of our soup is 8 cups of chicken broth. I usually use low-sodium so I can control the salt. And don’t forget the pasta! You’ll need 1 cup of acini de pepe – those tiny little balls of deliciousness!

Fresh Herbs and Cheese

Fresh parsley is a MUST! You’ll need 1/2 cup, chopped. And for a little cheesy goodness, grab 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The good stuff, if you can swing it!

Meatball Ingredients

For the meatballs, you’ll need 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. I usually just use plain breadcrumbs, but Italian-seasoned ones work great too!

How to Make Crockpot Wedding Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is the fun part! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of delicious Crockpot Wedding Soup in no time!

Preparing the Sausage and Vegetables

First, you’ll want to brown that Italian sausage. Just crumble it into a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s nice and brown, then drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants greasy soup! While the sausage is cooking, you can chop up your onion, carrots, and celery. Multitasking for the win!

Slow Cooking the Crockpot Wedding Soup

Now, the easy part! Just toss that browned sausage, chopped onion, carrots, and celery into your crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth, give it a good stir, and then cover. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low, because I think it makes the flavors even better. But if you’re in a hurry, high works just fine!

Adding the Pasta

Okay, this is important: don’t add the pasta too early! You’ll want to stir in the acini de pepe during the *last* 30 minutes of cooking. Otherwise, it’ll get all mushy, and nobody wants mushy pasta. Set a timer so you don’t forget!

Making and Adding the Meatballs

While the pasta’s cooking, let’s make those adorable little meatballs! In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and breadcrumbs. Then, using your hands (or a small spoon), form tiny meatballs. They should be about the size of a marble. During the *last* 15 minutes of cooking, gently drop the meatballs into the crockpot. They’ll cook right in the soup!

Final Touches for Your Crockpot Wedding Soup

Almost there! Once the meatballs are cooked through, stir in the chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Maybe you want a little more salt, maybe a little more pepper. It’s your soup, so make it perfect for *you*! Then, serve it up and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Wedding Soup

Browning the Sausage

Seriously, don’t skip this step! Browning the sausage isn’t just about making it look pretty. It’s about building flavor! That little bit of caramelization adds a *ton* of depth to the soup. Trust me on this one!

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

I can’t stress this enough: add the acini de pepe at the right time! Mushy pasta is a soup killer. Set a timer, people! You’ll thank me later.

Adjusting the Seasoning

Okay, this is where you get to be the boss. Taste your soup! Does it need more salt? More pepper? Maybe a pinch of garlic powder? Don’t be afraid to experiment! It’s your Crockpot Wedding Soup, make it sing!

Crockpot Wedding Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the classic Crockpot Wedding Soup… now what? Time to get creative! This recipe is seriously begging for you to put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to play around with different flavors and ingredients. It’s all about making it *your* perfect soup!

Adding Greens

Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Toss in a handful or two of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It wilts right down and adds a boost of vitamins. Plus, it looks pretty!

Different Proteins

Not a fan of Italian sausage? No problem! You can totally swap it out for ground turkey or ground chicken. Just make sure you still brown it before adding it to the crockpot. You could even use those teeny tiny frozen meatballs if you’re in a pinch!

Spice It Up

Feeling a little daring? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a little kick! It gives the soup a nice little warmth that’s totally addictive. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Wedding Soup

Got questions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about making Crockpot Wedding Soup. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make Crockpot Wedding Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often think it tastes even BETTER the next day. Just make the soup as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

How long does Crockpot Wedding Soup last?

If you store it properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), Crockpot Wedding Soup will last for about 3-4 days. After that, the pasta might start to get a little mushy. So, eat it up!

Can I freeze Crockpot Wedding Soup?

Yep! Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop. Just keep in mind that the pasta might be a little softer after freezing and thawing, but it’ll still be delicious!

What if I don’t have acini de pepe pasta?

No problem! You can substitute other small pasta shapes, like ditalini or orzo. Honestly, any small pasta will work in a pinch. The acini de pepe just adds a little something special!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Wedding Soup

Okay, so you’ve got a pot of amazing Crockpot Wedding Soup… now what do you serve with it? Here are a couple of my favorite pairings!

Bread

Crusty bread is a MUST! Seriously, you need something to soak up all that delicious broth. A nice baguette or some sourdough would be perfect.

Salad

Sometimes, I like to serve a simple side salad with my Crockpot Wedding Soup. Just some mixed greens, a little vinaigrette, and maybe some cherry tomatoes. It’s a nice, light counterpoint to the richness of the soup.

Is Crockpot Wedding Soup Healthy?

Okay, let’s be real: I’m no nutritionist! But hey, it’s got veggies and protein, right? Just remember that nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the ingredients you use, so don’t take any numbers as gospel!

Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Wedding Soup!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you love this Crockpot Wedding Soup as much as my family does. Now go make it, and then come back and tell me what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!