Easy Homemade Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy crockpot broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Hearty vegetables mingle with rich, melted cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing each ingredient with deep, satisfying notes of classic comfort.

Tender broccoli florets nestle alongside smooth, velvety cheddar, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious meal.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this effortless recipe that requires minimal preparation.

Ladle this soul-warming soup into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table, inviting everyone to savor every comforting bite.

Why Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Comforting

• Cozy Comfort Meal: Dive into a warm, cheesy bowl that hugs your taste buds and provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you need a satisfying pick-me-up.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Transform ordinary ingredients into a rich, velvety soup with the convenience of a crockpot, allowing hands-off cooking that develops deep, delicious flavors while you go about your day.
• Nutritious Crowd-Pleaser: Pack in green veggies and protein with a recipe that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that sneaks in healthy nutrients without sacrificing taste.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredient Lineup

• Broccoli: A green veggie packed with nutrition and a mild, earthy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, creamy cheese that adds rich depth to the soup.
• Broth: A flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters that create a delicious foundation.

• Butter: A creamy ingredient that adds smoothness and richness to the soup.

How to Cook Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Garlic

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Drop in butter and let it melt smoothly.

Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring them around until the onions become soft and see-through, which takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Broccoli and Liquid

Toss in fresh broccoli florets and pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot.

Crank up the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, lower the temperature and let the soup simmer gently.

Step 3: Soften the Broccoli

Allow the soup to cook slowly for approximately 10 minutes.

Watch for the broccoli to become tender and soft, which signals it’s ready for the next stage of cooking.

Step 4: Blend and Cream

Remove the pot from heat.

Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a regular blender to puree some of the broccoli, creating a creamy texture.

If using a standard blender, work in batches and be careful with hot liquid.

Step 5: Incorporate Cheese

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly to help it melt smoothly into the soup.

The cheese will add rich flavor and create a velvety consistency.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Add salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg to enhance the flavors.

Stir well and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or chopped green onions if desired.

Smart Tips for Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Caramelize onions longer for a richer, sweeter base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.
• Gradually add shredded cheddar off the heat, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy texture without graininess.
• Adjust soup thickness by blending a portion of the broccoli or adding extra broth to achieve your preferred texture.
• Swap regular cheddar for lactose-free or plant-based cheese to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Toss in additional vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to boost the soup's nutrient profile and add exciting color and taste.

Storing Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup the Easy Way

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with dairy for best texture.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore original consistency if it's too thick.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent separation of ingredients.

Pair This with Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Pair Creamy Comfort with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, freshly baked sourdough or French baguette to dip into this velvety soup, creating a perfect textural contrast between the smooth soup and crispy bread.
• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, cheesy flavors, cutting through the soup's creaminess with its bright acidity.
• Boost Flavor with Herb-Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside simply seasoned roasted chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary, which will enhance the soup's savory profile and add protein to the meal.
• Complete the Plate with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zingy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Swaps and Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out cheddar cheese for nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of dairy, creating a creamy vegan version of the soup that's equally satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace traditional butter with olive oil and ensure all broth is gluten-free certified, making the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Protein Power Boost: Add diced chicken or cooked white beans to increase protein content, transforming the soup into a more substantial meal with extra nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute broccoli with cauliflower and use heavy cream instead of broth, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining a rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing, which can help save time and still maintain great flavor.

• How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

Add a little extra broth or milk while cooking, and stir occasionally. If it gets too thick, simply thin it out with some warm chicken broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

To make it vegetarian, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter. The cheese can remain the same unless you specifically want a vegan version.

• What type of cheddar cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but medium cheddar works well too. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties and gives a creamier texture.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup delivers creamy goodness straight from your slow cooker. Rich cheese and tender vegetables blend into a hearty meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 large head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces/946 milliliters) of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) of heavy cream

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 2 cups (226 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm butter in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate flame, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom evenly.
2. Gently introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the onions become transparent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Incorporate crisp, fresh broccoli florets and rich vegetable broth into the pot, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubbling point.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle, rolling simmer, allowing the vegetables to soften and meld their flavors for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring the broccoli achieves a tender yet vibrant texture.
5. Remove the pot from heat, preparing to transform the simmered mixture into a velvety, luxurious soup by blending the ingredients to a smooth consistency.
6. Gradually fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to create a creamy, uniform texture that coats the palate with rich, tangy notes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that highlights the natural sweetness of the broccoli and the robust character of the cheese.
8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with additional cheese shreds or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a smoother texture throughout the soup.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor that will elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• For a lower-carb version, replace regular broth with cauliflower or chicken broth and add extra cream for richness.
• Create a gluten-free option by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when thickening the soup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 100mg