Nothing beats coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s as creamy and flavorful as this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how the slow cooker lets all those simple ingredients meld together into a rich, cheesy delight without you having to hover over the stove. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for chilly days, this soup fits the bill perfectly.
When I first tried this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it came together—and how comforting it was for my family. You’ll find that with just a handful of straightforward ingredients, the slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to relax while it simmers. Plus, it’s a surefire way to get a serving of veggies in without anyone complaining!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: Toss everything in the Crockpot and come back later to a delicious, homey soup.
- Creamy Comfort Food: The cheese and cream make it silky and indulgent without being complicated.
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters often love this sneaky veggie-packed soup.
- Budget Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe taste just right, from the tender broccoli to that rich, melted cheddar. Make sure to choose fresh broccoli and a good-quality cheddar for the best flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen works, but fresh adds the best texture and flavor.
- Onion: Dice finely to get those naturally sweet undertones in the soup.
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium if you want to control the saltiness better.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the soup.
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory depth alongside fresh onion.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste, but freshly cracked pepper really elevates the final dish.
- Heavy cream: This is the secret to that velvety smooth consistency you’ll love.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works especially well for a punch of flavor.
Variations
I love to make this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe my own by switching up the cheese or adding extra veggies. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your tastes or dietary needs—it’s super forgiving.
- Veggie Boost: I sometimes throw in shredded carrots or diced potatoes to add texture and nutrition without changing the flavor much.
- Dairy-Free: Try swapping the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a vegan cheese alternative, perfect for allergy-friendly meals.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce gives the soup a surprising zing that my family can’t get enough of.
- Extra Cheesy: Mixing in some Parmesan or Gruyère with the cheddar adds a deliciously nutty twist.
How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Load Your Crockpot
Start by placing your broccoli florets, diced onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder into the Crockpot. I like to give everything a quick stir so the seasonings are evenly distributed. This easy prep means you’re set for a fuss-free cooking experience—no stirring needed while it’s cooking!
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your Crockpot to low and cook for about 4 to 6 hours. You want the broccoli to be nice and tender but not mushy. I often check around the 4-hour mark, especially if my slow cooker runs hot, to avoid overcooking. Once tender, you’re ready to blend!
Step 3: Blend for Creamy Texture
Using an immersion blender, pulse the soup until you get a creamy but still slightly chunky texture. I like leaving a bit of broccoli texture instead of completely smooth—it just feels more homemade. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer batches to a regular blender.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese, then switch the Crockpot to high. Let everything melt together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese from sticking to the sides. This step is where your soup really turns into that rich, cheesy comfort food you’re craving!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pour yourself a bowl, crack some fresh black pepper over the top, and maybe even a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Grab a cozy spot and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Keeping the broccoli tender but not mushy helps maintain great texture and color.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It melts beautifully and gives the soup that signature tangy punch I adore.
- Blend to Preference: I like a little chunk left, but you can blend fully smooth if that’s your thing.
- Avoid Boiling After Adding Cheese: Just melting on high for a short time prevents cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I often top my soup with a little extra shredded cheddar and some freshly cracked black pepper for that pop of flavor. Sometimes I sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped green onions to brighten things up—both give a lovely visual and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty piece of sourdough bread or a buttery garlic toast pairs perfectly and helps scoop up every last bit. My family loves a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in little bread bowls—so fun for guests! You can also drizzle some herb-infused olive oil on top or add crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch that gets everyone excited.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I give it a good stir midway through warming to keep the creamy texture just right.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully—just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to preserve that smooth cheese consistency.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up, and it’ll taste just like fresh from the Crockpot.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen broccoli for this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well if you’re short on fresh. Just keep in mind it may release more water, so you might want to cook a little longer or reduce some broth at the end for desired thickness.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream in this soup?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half can work, but the soup won’t be quite as rich. For non-dairy, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream both add creaminess and flavor without dairy.
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How do I prevent the cheese from clumping in the soup?
Adding cheese gradually and melting it on high heat for a short time while stirring helps keep it smooth. Avoid boiling the soup after adding cheese, as that can cause it to separate or become grainy.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian. Also, double-check your cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some cheeses use animal rennet).
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Is it okay to blend the soup completely smooth?
Of course! Blending it fully smooth creates a lovely creamy texture like a restaurant-style soup. But I personally like leaving some broccoli chunks for extra texture—it’s all up to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe has become a favorite in my house for good reason—it’s comforting, simple, and so satisfying. I love that you don’t need to spend hours making it or use fancy ingredients, yet it tastes like you’ve put in real effort. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as you do eating it, and it’s perfect for cozy nights in or to impress a crowd with minimal fuss. Give it a go and see why it’s such a beloved classic in the slow cooker world!
PrintCrockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make recipe perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender broccoli florets simmered to perfection with aromatic onions and savory spices, then enriched with heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup delivers a rich and velvety texture. Slow-cooked in a Crockpot, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort, making it an ideal warm meal for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash and cut the broccoli into florets and dice the onion to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the broccoli florets, diced onion, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder into the Crockpot. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Slow cook: Cook the soup on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the broccoli is tender and the flavors have melded together nicely.
- Partially blend: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until it reaches a creamy and slightly chunky consistency, allowing some broccoli texture to remain.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well to combine.
- Finish cooking: Switch the Crockpot to high and cook the soup for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and onion powder according to your preference.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, blend longer until completely smooth.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- This soup freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg