Name: Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded carrots; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk; 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp butter

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Table of Contents: Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Picture this: a snowy evening, the furnace humming, and a warm, velvety bowl of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup gently bubbling away in your slow cooker. No standing over the stove. No last-minute scrambling. Just comfort food at its easiest—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. If you’re aged 40–65+, you know the value of a recipe that delivers big taste with minimal effort. This slow cooker comfort food favorite is your new go-to for easy soup recipes that feel fancy but take almost no hands-on time. From holiday lunches to cozy weeknight dinners, this cheesy broccoli soup brings warmth to every spoonful.

Introduction: Craving a Creamy Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup?

There’s something deeply satisfying about a hearty, home-cooked Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup—especially when it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and practically cooks itself. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant stirring and careful heat management, this slow cooker adaptation delivers the same deep, rich flavor with a fraction of the effort. Just dump, stir, and walk away. By the time your pot warms the kitchen and your family gathers around the table, you’ll have a slow cooker comfort food masterpiece ready to serve.

This cheesy broccoli soup is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, impromptu holiday guests, or a quiet night in when you just need something soothing. Whether you use fresh broccoli florets or thawed frozen ones, the result is tender, slightly sweet, and luxuriously creamy. With the optional addition of cooked shredded chicken, it transforms into a complete Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup—ideal for cold-season healing or picky eaters. The best part? It’s one of the top-rated easy soup recipes for anyone who wants to impress without stressing.

Ideal for slow cooker enthusiasts and busy home cooks, this recipe blends savory onions, sweet grated carrots, sharp cheddar, and a luxuriously dairy-rich base. It’s the ultimate slow cooker comfort food for fall, winter, or any night you need a little extra warmth.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might hear this beloved soup called several different names:
– Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup
– Crockpot Cream of Broccoli Soup
– Cheesy Vegetable Soup (with Broccoli)
– Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup (when adding meat)
– Vegetarian Broccoli Soup with Cheese

Variations include using Vegetable Broth for a vegetarian version, swapping in Monterey Jack or Colby-Jack for a milder taste, or blending for a smoother texture. Looking for something extra hearty? Try it as a base for loaded crockpot soup with potatoes, bacon, or corn—another delicious easy soup recipe your table will adore.

Ingredients: The Secret to a Rich Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets or frozen, thawed (ensures tender texture)

– 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (for savory depth)
– 2 medium carrots, freshly grated (adds sweetness and color)
– 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)

– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (melts beautifully and delivers bold flavor)
– 2 cups whole milk (preferred for creaminess; 2% works in a pinch)
– 1 cup heavy cream, optional (for extra indulgent smoothness)

– 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted and high-quality
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the thickener—runny soup, be gone!)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (dried is fine; adds savory punch)
– ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular—enhances warmth)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (season in layers for best results)

– Optional: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (perfect for a meal-ready Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup)

Pro tip: Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese can resist smooth melting due to anti-caking agents.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your slow cooker. Lightly grease the inside with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, especially around the edges.

2. Layer the vegetables. Place the fresh broccoli florets, diced onion, and grated carrots directly into the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, ensuring all veggies are submerged.

3. Begin the soup base. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly—this is your roux, the thickening agent. Remove from heat and stir in the milk, whisking until smooth. Pour this cream mixture into the slow cooker.

4. Season and stir. Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Add heavy cream now if using—this lifts the lushness factor.

5. Cook on low. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours, until the broccoli and carrots are fork-tender. Do not overcook—broccoli should retain a slight texture, not turn mushy.

6. Stir in cheese. Turn off the heat. Let the soup sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly, then gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and creamy.

7. Optional meat addition. If making Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup, stir in 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken now and let sit for 10 minutes to heat through.

8. Taste and adjust. Salt, pepper, or a dash more paprika? Now’s the time. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender for a few pulses—leave some texture for heartiness.

9. Serve warm. Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, a swirl of sour cream, or croutons for crunch.

Chef Tip: Avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy—this can cause curdling. Always add cheese off-heat for the smoothest result.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup takes just 15 minutes of prep time, 4–5 hours of slow cooking (on Low), and a total time of 4 hours 15 minutes. It yields 4 generous servings, each around 420–450 calories, depending on dairy used. Whole milk and heavy cream boost flavor and richness, while the roux provides a satisfying, velvety mouthfeel—ideal easy soup recipes for any night of the week.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What makes this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup stand out among countless versions? It’s all in the balance: the gentle slow-cook process allows flavors to deepen without the risk of scorching or curdling. The roux-based thickening method ensures a luxuriously creamy texture without heavy reliance on cornstarch or blended vegetables—giving you a slow cooker comfort food that feels gourmet but takes zero guesswork.

We achieve the perfect thickness by building the base before adding to the crockpot—this means no guessing whether the soup needs more time to thicken. The layered seasoning (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper) enhances depth, while the sharp cheddar delivers a bold, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the earthy broccoli and sweet carrots.

For those seeking easy comfort food for family dinners, this recipe checks every box: make-ahead friendly, freezer-safe, scalable, and customizable. Want a vegetarian version? Simple—use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Need a lighter option? Use reduced-fat dairy and still enjoy a satisfying bowl. This is one of those easy soup recipes that earns a permanent spot on your rotation.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store leftover Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Allow to cool fully before sealing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.

To freeze, transfer to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion. Label with date and name. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without extra sauce or toppings—add those after reheating.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Avoid microwaving for large portions—this can cause uneven heating and cheese separation. Pro tip: Reheating slowly preserves the cheesy broccoli soup texture and prevents curdling, making it a reliable slow cooker comfort food go-to, even as leftovers.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Cheesy Broccoli Soup

If you’ve been searching for a Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup that’s creamy, hearty, and foolproof—look no further. This recipe blends the magic of slow-cooked flavor with the indulgence of sharp cheddar and fresh vegetables. It’s the kind of easy soup recipe you’ll make once and return to all winter long. Whether you’re serving it with crusty bread, over rice, or as a holiday starter, it never fails to impress.

We’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add chicken? Make it vegetarian? Blend it smooth or keep it chunky? Share your variations in the comments below. Snap a pic and tag us—your cheesy broccoli soup could inspire another home cook. After all, comfort food is best when shared.