Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Cozy up to the creamiest homemade broccoli cheddar soup there is! Seriously, this slow cooker soup is comfort in a bowl. Tender broccoli, chicken broth, milk, cheddar cheese, and aromatics combine to create a flavorful soup that’s guaranteed to be the best part of any meal. So get your slow cooker out and get ready for some creamy, cheesy goodness.
During busy days, best believe that my slow cooker is doing the heavy lifting in our kitchen. It’s just so convenient to prep a meal several hours before, and come home to a fully cooked meal ready to serve. Whether it’s an appetizer, side, main course, or dessert, I can’t count how many times my slow cooker saved the day.
Last week, my family couldn’t get enough of the broccoli casserole I made. I wanted to continue the broccoli theme, so I made one of my favorite soups in the world, broccoli cheddar soup.
This rich and creamy slow cooker soup is so good and so easy to make, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s especially comforting when the weather is cool! Everyone had seconds when I served it. Needless to say, it was a hit at dinner, and I’m sure you’ll love it, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and one pot, this flavorful soup comes together effortlessly, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Familiar, easy ingredients: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you can easily find in your kitchen. No need for special grocery runs!
- Comforting flavors: Broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven. The two ingredients make a rich and creamy soup that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Whether you like it chunky or smooth, with extra cheese or lighter on the dairy, you can make this soup however you like it.
- Family-friendly: Broccoli cheddar soup is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an enjoyable meal for everyone.
- Make-ahead friendly: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This broccoli cheddar soup is one of the easiest soups you can make in your slow cooker. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and your slow cooker will take care of the rest. In just 2.5 hours, your hearty soup will be ready to serve – such a win for busy days!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli has the best flavor but frozen can also work.
- Yellow onion: Forms the base of the soup’s aromatic profile.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and helps balance the richness of the cheese.
- Butter
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Chicken broth: Balances out the creaminess of the soup while adding a savory flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, which is a thickening agent commonly used for soups, stews, and sauces. Flour also contributes to the creaminess of the soup.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup without making it too heavy. Use any milk you like, dairy or non-dairy.
- Cheddar cheese: I use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. I found that mild cheddar tastes a bit flat.
Step-By-Step Instructions
In just 4 easy steps, you can enjoy this classic comfort food. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, cook, add the milk and cheese, then serve! It’s a soup that’s easy to make and love, and a guaranteed hit with the whole family.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Add the broccoli, onion, celery, and butter to the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk the broth and flour together in a small bowl, then pour over the broccoli.
Step 2: Cook
Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 6.
Step 3: Add the milk and cheese
Next, stir in the milk and cheese. Cover again and continue cooking on HIGH for another 30 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Stir and serve
Give it a good stir before serving warm. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Broccoli: No substitutions for this one since it’s the star of the recipe! However, you can try this recipe with cauliflower for a milder flavor or to switch things up.
- Yellow onion: Swap out with white onion, shallots, or even leeks.
- Celery: Carrots or fennel can bring a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining balance.
- Chicken broth: Substitute chicken broth with chicken stock or beef broth.
- Milk: If you want a richer, thicker soup, use half-and-half, heavy cream, or heavy whipping cream in place of milk. Use unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Cheddar cheese: Use Colby or Monterey Jack if you don’t have Cheddar available.
Expert Tips
- Chop broccoli evenly: Cut the broccoli into uniform, small florets so they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup. Don’t toss the stems – dice them finely for extra flavor and texture.
- Purée for a creamier texture: Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a smoother, creamier finish while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Adjust the consistency: For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk.
- Add more flavor: A pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, or dried herbs can make your tasty soup even tastier!
- Load it up: Add your choice of mix-ins. Proteins like crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or diced ham make a heartier soup, and veggies like diced carrots, roasted red peppers, or even a handful of spinach add nutrition and a nice pop of color.
- Serve in a bread bowl: For added fun, serve the soup in a bread bowl. Carve out the middle of a round loaf of French bread. Make sure to leave enough of the bread walls to hold the soup, and turn the removed pieces into homemade croutons or save them for dipping.
How to Store This Recipe
Transfer leftover or made-ahead soup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this soup since it has dairy ingredients. Reheat in a pan over medium-low heat on the stove while stirring.
What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup
For an easy meal, serve broccoli cheddar soup with crusty bread, crackers, or homemade croutons for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup. A light salad is a good pair, too.
Serve the soup in smaller portions as a starter to a main dish. We love it with parmesan crusted chicken, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, or honey mustard salmon.
More Easy Side Dishes To Try
- Cranberry chicken salad
- Creamy pumpkin pasta
- Slow cooker mashed potatoes
- Crispy roasted parmesan potatoes
- Air fryer sweet potato wedges
If you make this broccoli cheddar soup, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli diced to small pieces
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Add the broccoli, onion, celery, and butter to the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk the broth and flour together in a small bow. Pour over the broccoli.
- Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6.
- Stir in the milk and cheese. Cover again and continue cooking on HIGH for another 30 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Give it a good stir before serving warm.
Video
Notes
- Cut the broccoli into uniform, small florets so they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a smoother, creamier finish while leaving some chunks for texture.
- For a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk.
- A pinch of nutmeg, cayenne, or dried herbs can make your tasty soup even tastier!
- Proteins like crumbled bacon, cooked sausage, or diced ham make a heartier soup, and veggies like diced carrots, roasted red peppers, or even a handful of spinach add nutrition and a nice pop of color.
- For added fun, serve the soup in a bread bowl – just carve out the middle of a round loaf of French bread and pour the soup.
