Warm up your evenings with this creamy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup that's packed with cheesy goodness and simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfectly thick, rich, and comforting, it's the kind of cozy meal you crave on chilly days!
I've always loved coming home to a hearty bowl of soup, and this crock pot cheddar broccoli soup is a family favorite. With just a handful of fresh ingredients like sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and garlic, it's surprisingly easy to make in the slow cooker. I love that it's ready when I walk in the door, giving me something to warm up with after a long day, and it's always a hit when friends stop by!
If you are craving more cheesy, comforting soups, try my slow cooker potato soup or slow-cooked cheeseburger soup next.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Simply add your ingredients to the crock pot and let it work its magic, giving you big flavor with almost no effort. For another easy-to-prep option, try my tomato soup in the slow cooker.
- Creamy and Comforting: Thick, cheesy, and perfectly smooth, this Crock Pot broccoli cheese soup is pure comfort in a bowl
- Loved by All Ages: Everyone will enjoy the tender broccoli and rich, cheesy goodness
- Perfect for Busy Days: Set it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat, satisfying slow cooker broccoli cheese soup.
Ingredients
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give the soup the best flavor and texture. Cut them into small, even pieces so they cook tender and evenly in the slow cooker. If you're craving more broccoli recipes, try my slow cooker beef and broccoli next.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the soup its rich, tangy flavor. Fresh cheese melts the best, but pre-shredded can be used.
- Half & Half: This adds creaminess without being overly heavy. Bring it to room temperature before adding to prevent curdling when it hits the hot soup.
- Yellow Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavor base. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic so they blend into the soup.
- Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and pepper help bring out the natural flavors of the broccoli and cheese. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste as the soup cooks.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Bread Bowl Style: Serve your broccoli cheddar soup inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for the ultimate cozy comfort food.
- Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup fully vegetarian without losing flavor.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a hint of Parmesan, for a more complex, rich flavor.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even crispy bacon before serving for a heartier, protein-packed version.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup in the Crock Pot
Making this cheesy broccoli soup crock pot recipe is simple, and with just a little prep, your slow cooker does all the work, rewarding you with a rich, creamy soup.
- Step 1: Prep the Vegetables. Chop the broccoli into small florets and finely dice the onion so everything cooks evenly.
- Step 2: Load the Crock Pot. Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, butter, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Add the Broth. Whisk the cornstarch with the chicken broth until smooth, then pour it over the vegetables in the crock pot.
- Step 4: Make it Cheesy. Once the broccoli is tender, stir in the cheddar cheese and half & half, letting it all melt together into a thick and creamy soup. Serve hot with some fresh slow cooker focaccia bread.
Expert Tips
- Cut the Broccoli Small: Chop the broccoli into small, even florets so it cooks tender and blends smoothly into the soup. Large chunks may stay too firm.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Always grate cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.
- Avoid Curdling: Bring the half & half to room temperature before adding it to the hot soup. This prevents it from separating or curdling.
- Thicken the Right Way: Whisk cornstarch into cold broth before adding to the slow cooker. Adding it directly can cause clumps.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy this cozy broccoli cheddar soup as a simple weeknight dinner with a garden salad and a fresh baguette.
- For a heartier family meal, serve it alongside mains like BBQ chicken thighs or slow cooker short ribs.
- Hosting a potluck or casual gathering? Pair the soup with slow cooker BBQ beef sandwiches and artichoke dip in the crock pot for a tasty spread!
Recipe FAQs
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Grainy texture usually comes from pre-shredded cheese or overheating the dairy. Try to use fresh cheese from a block and add it at the end on low heat so it melts smoothly.
Yes, frozen broccoli works well; keep in mind it may soften a little more than fresh.
More Crock Pot Soup Recipes
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Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup corn starch
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 2 cups half & half
Instructions
- Add broccoli, butter, yellow onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk cornstarch and chicken broth. Then pour over the broccoli.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until broccoli is fork tender.
- Add cheese and half & half and mix. Cover and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
- Stir before serving, and top with more cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chop the broccoli into small, even florets so it cooks tender and blends smoothly into the soup.
- Shred cheese from a block for the creamiest, smoothest texture; pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well.
- Whisk the cornstarch with cold broth before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps.
- Bring the half & half to room temperature before adding to avoid curdling and ensure a silky finish.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen says
Hands down one of my favorite soup recipes and it is so easy to make in a slow cooker.