If you are looking for the ultimate cozy meal to warm your soul on a chilly day, this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with vibrant broccoli florets, this soup effortlessly combines comfort and nutrition in one pot. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a rich, velvety texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup unforgettable. From the fresh broccoli’s vibrant green bite to the sharpness of cheddar melting into the creamy broth, these ingredients are effortlessly delicious yet wholly essential.

4 cups fresh broccoli florets: The star veggie, providing crunch and vibrant color.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful base that ties everything together.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that signature tangy cheesiness and creamy texture.
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half): Makes the soup luxuriously smooth and rich.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors – adjust as you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance richness.
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): For a gentle smoky hint that complements the cheese.
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Used to soften the aromatics and add depth.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps to thicken the soup if you love an ultra-creamy finish.
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green freshness and a hint of herby brightness.

How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Chop it into small florets to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all that delicious broth flavor. Then, peel and dice your onion into small pieces, and finely mince the garlic cloves. Taking these prep steps makes the cooking process a breeze later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil or butter until shimmering. Toss in your diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and sweet-smelling. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its fragrant oils without burning, creating the perfect aromatic base.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Transfer your sautéed onion and garlic mixture directly into the crockpot. Add the fresh broccoli florets on top, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, making sure the broccoli is well submerged. This forms the flavorful liquid foundation that will cook all the ingredients to tender perfection.

Step 4: Season and Slow Cook

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all the flavors. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or choose high heat for about 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking tenderizes the broccoli and allows the flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Blend the Soup to Creamy Perfection

Once your broccoli is fork-tender, it’s time to blend. Using an immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the crockpot until it reaches your desired consistency—whether you like it silky smooth or with a little texture. If you’re using a standard blender, carefully work in batches and then pour the soup back into the crockpot.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Cream

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. The cheese will melt into the warm soup, enriching it with those signature cheesy notes, while the cream delivers a luscious mouthfeel. This step transforms the simple broth into a heavenly comfort food experience.

Step 7: Optional Thickening and Final Seasoning

If you prefer your soup thicker, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes on high heat until you achieve your perfect thickness. Don’t forget to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Though the soup is wonderful on its own, fresh garnishes bring a delightful burst of color and flavor. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or snipped chives on top right before serving. The herbs add a lovely bright contrast that also enhances the aroma, making each spoonful even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup shines brightest when paired with something to dip or scoop. Crusty artisan bread, garlic toast, or crisp crackers make perfect companions, soaking up the creamy goodness with every bite. For a heartier meal, a simple green salad or roasted veggies round out the plate beautifully without overpowering the soup’s delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress guests or make mealtime a bit more special, try serving the soup in bread bowls for an Insta-worthy presentation. Another fun idea is to swirl in a drizzle of extra cream or sprinkle some smoked paprika on top for a pop of color. Adding crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts as a crunchy topping also brings texture and an unexpected twist to this classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you’ll find that the soup’s flavors have deepened, making each bite just as comforting as the first time.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top since it will expand when frozen. Keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember that the texture of cream-based soups can change slightly after thawing, but a quick stir will help bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat your soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring in between. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up and restore its perfect creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh in the Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well as a convenient alternative and will also cook nicely in the crockpot. Just consider reducing the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli tends to soften faster than fresh.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth makes it vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the cheddar cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut or cashew cream. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor but keep it just as delicious.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and freeze it?

Definitely! This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely before freezing in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently for a comforting meal anytime you want.

How can I make the soup thicker without cornstarch?

If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, mash some of the cooked broccoli florets before blending to naturally thicken the soup. Alternatively, adding a small potato or cauliflower florets at the start of cooking can boost thickness as well.

Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is classic for this soup’s signature flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, gruyere, or even a bit of parmesan for a different twist. Just pick cheeses that melt well and have bold flavor profiles for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe never fails to deliver that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed goodness that keeps people coming back for more. It’s simple enough for busy days but impressive enough for guests, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. I genuinely hope you give this cozy, comforting soup a try and find it becoming one of your go-to favorites for warming up any day.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.3 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy meals. With fresh broccoli, savory sautéed onions and garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, and a velvety blend of cream, this slow-cooked soup combines rich flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a satisfying vegetarian option that can be easily customized with chicken broth or lighter cream alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

Dairy & Cheese

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Others

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a hint of spice)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Wash and Chop the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli under cold water and cut into small florets to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture later.
Dice the Onion: Peel the onion and dice it into small, uniform pieces for quick and even sautéing.
Mince the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to infuse a rich aroma and flavor throughout the soup.
Prepare the Broth: Have your vegetable or chicken broth measured and ready to add to the crockpot.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its fragrance.
Transfer to the Crockpot: Move the sautéed onions and garlic carefully into your crockpot.
Add the Broccoli and Broth: Add the broccoli florets and pour in the broth, making sure the broccoli is fully submerged for even cooking.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings well.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours) until the broccoli is tender.
Check for Doneness: Test the broccoli with a fork to ensure it is soft and ready to be blended.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to purée the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend partially.
Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Thicken the Soup (Optional): If a thicker consistency is desired, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and stir this into the soup. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your taste preferences.
Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls for a comforting meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added color and flavor, if desired.
Enjoy: Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying and warming experience.

Notes

Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a non-vegetarian version.
For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Optional paprika adds a slight smoky flavor but can be omitted.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer soup in batches to a blender carefully.
The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker soup texture.
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add freshness and visual appeal but are not required.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American