If you’re craving the ultimate comforting bowl, look no further than Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup. This creamy, cheesy delight is loaded with tender broccoli and rich, melty cheese, all slow-cooked to absolute perfection. With the incredible ease of your slow cooker, the soup develops a deep, savory flavor while staying fuss-free—making it the perfect weeknight dinner, impressive lunch for guests, or meal prep staple. The way the sharp cheddar melts into the smooth broth with each spoonful is pure magic, and once you try this, it’s sure to become your new go-to soup recipe!

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is how a handful of humble, high-impact ingredients create such a luxurious flavor. Each item has an important part to play—bringing savoriness, creaminess, or the signature green color everyone loves.

Broccoli: Fresh or frozen both work—opt for florets for the best texture, they hold up beautifully and absorb all that cheesy flavor.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The secret to big cheese flavor; shredding your own melts smoother and avoids grittiness.
Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned, they add a pop of color, gentle sweetness, and pair perfectly with the broccoli.
Yellow Onion: Adds subtle depth and a mellow, savory background you’d notice if it weren’t there!
Garlic: Two or three cloves minced will bring a lovely aromatic kick.
Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth forms the soup’s foundation—vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian option.
Cream or Half-and-Half: For ultimate creaminess, a splash of heavy cream (or half-and-half) takes it over the top.
Butter: Just a tablespoon or two rounds out the flavors and adds classic, French-inspired richness.
Salt & Pepper: The final taste balancers—add to your liking at the end for the perfect seasoning.
Cornstarch (optional): If you like a thicker soup, stir in a little cornstarch slurry at the end.

How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets, thinly slice the carrots, and finely dice your onion. If you’re using fresh garlic, mince that too. Taking the time to cut everything evenly means the veggies will cook to the same doneness, resulting in perfect texture throughout your soup. This is also a good chance to get the cheese shredded, since prepped ingredients make the whole cooking process smooth and organized.

Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot

Add your vegetables straight to the slow cooker—broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and give it all a gentle stir. If you love a little extra flavor, add a bay leaf or sprinkle of dried thyme at this stage. Place the lid on, set the pot to low, and let the slow cooker work its magic for four to five hours. The vegetables will soften and mingle, while the broth transforms into a flavor-packed base.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to stir in the cream or half-and-half, plus butter for that traditional richness. For those who love their soup extra thick and velvety, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch into a splash of cold broth, then stir that slurry into the soup before adding the dairy. This is when the soup transforms, becoming ultra creamy yet still beautifully balanced.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Turn the slow cooker to warm or very low heat, and slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheddar, stirring gently after each addition. For the smoothest texture, let the cheese melt fully before adding more. This prevents clumping and gives the Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup its signature lusciousness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper—you’re the final judge here!

Step 5: Blend (if you like!)

This soup is fantastic as a chunky, veggie-filled bowl, but for a classic restaurant-style texture, use an immersion blender right in the crockpot until it’s as smooth as you’d like. A few brief pulses keep texture, while blending longer gives you that silky, luxurious finish. Either way, it’s irresistible.

How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Garnishes

Top each bowl of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup with a handful of extra shredded cheddar, freshly cracked black pepper, or a scattering of crisp bacon bits. A sprinkle of minced parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds an instant pop of color and a fresh, bright flavor to cut the richness.

Side Dishes

A warm hunk of crusty bread is practically a requirement—perfect for dunking and scooping up every drop. This soup also pairs well with a simple arugula salad, a classic grilled cheese sandwich, or even a plate of roasted potatoes for something heartier. Don’t forget a crunchy side of garlic toast for a retro diner feel!

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and Insta-worthy meal. For parties, serve it in little mugs with mini grilled cheese “dippers” or jazz up a weeknight dinner by stacking it with roasted veggies or hot sauce drizzle. It’s cozy, friendly, and always impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply let any leftover Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors often get even deeper and more delicious as they develop overnight, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch is even tastier than tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup can be frozen, but for best results, freeze before adding the dairy and cheese. Reheat and mix in the cream and cheese just before serving to keep things perfectly smooth. If you do freeze a finished batch, thaw overnight and blend well as the texture may separate a little—but the flavor will still shine through.

Reheating

Gently warm your soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to blend everything back together. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring each time to avoid any hot spots. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up—it’ll return to its original creamy consistency in no time.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth and make sure to use cheeses without animal rennet. You’ll get the same deep, satisfying flavor, and all your vegetarian friends will love every spoonful.

What’s the best cheese for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is the classic choice, as its punchy flavor stands up to all the veggies and adds the boldest color. For a fun twist, try mixing in a bit of Gruyere, Swiss, or even a small amount of smoked gouda for extra depth.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

This recipe is super flexible! Frozen broccoli works beautifully—just toss it in straight from the freezer, no need to thaw. It may cook slightly faster, so check for tenderness a bit earlier and you’re good to go.

How do I avoid grainy cheese in my soup?

For the silkiest Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, always shred your cheese from a block and add it gradually to the hot soup off direct heat while stirring. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup less creamy.

Can this recipe be doubled?

You bet! It’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Double all the ingredients and use a large (6-8 quart) slow cooker. Just be sure not to overfill beyond your crockpot’s max fill line and stir a bit more often toward the end.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about a big bowl of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup, don’t you think? It’s cozy, satisfying, and so simple to make—just set it and forget it. Whether you’re warming up a chilly evening or sharing a comforting meal with friends, I hope this recipe becomes as well-loved in your home as it is in mine. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and make it your own!

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and creamy broccoli cheese soup made easy in the crockpot. This delicious soup is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for your next dinner party.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup:

4 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Additional shredded cheddar cheese
Crumbled bacon
Sliced green onions

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine broccoli, onion, garlic, and broth.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until broccoli is tender.
Thicken: In a bowl, whisk together flour and cream until smooth. Stir into the crockpot.
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Notes

This soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup until smooth and mix it back in.
Adjust the consistency by adding more broth or cream as needed.

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