If you’re craving a comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an effortless yet flavorful dish where tender broccoli meets velvety cheese goodness, all slow-cooked to perfection so the flavors deeply meld together. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious, cozy soup that’s rich in texture and bursting with cheesy, savory joy. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, this soup delivers that perfect blend of creamy indulgence and wholesome veggies in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in making the soup truly shine—from the freshness of the broccoli and carrots to the indulgent richness of cream cheese and cheddar.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): The star vegetable, providing vibrant color and a tender, slightly crisp texture.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and beautiful orange contrast that brightens the soup.
- Yellow onion, chopped (1 small): Creates a savory base, bringing gentle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Offers aromatic warmth that enhances all the flavors.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds savory liquid richness and lowers fat compared to cream-only soups. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The key to that irresistible creamy texture that makes this soup feel decadent.
- Cream cheese, cubed (4 oz): Melts smoothly to boost the silky, luscious mouthfeel.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Provides bold, tangy cheesiness that makes this soup truly comforting.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used to sauté the aromatics and add richness.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the soup for that perfect creamy consistency.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of spice to keep things interesting.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is essential because it builds a flavorful foundation for the soup before slow cooking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer your sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the fresh broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. This simple mix gets the slow cooker party started, where the veggies will gradually soften and soak up the broth’s savory goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green. The slow cooking process extracts flavors and develops a rich vegetable taste. Patience here really pays off.
Step 4: Blend for Extra Creaminess (Optional)
If you like your soup extra smooth, grab an immersion blender and pulse part of the soup directly in the crockpot. You can also blend a portion separately and stir it back in. This technique gives you that dreamy texture while leaving some delightful vegetable chunks for interest.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Cream Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Cover again and let it cook on LOW for another 20 to 30 minutes until the cream cheese fully melts and incorporates into the soup. This step takes the creaminess from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, small handfuls at a time, stirring well after each addition. Keep the heat low and avoid boiling at this stage to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. The cheese melts beautifully, enriching the soup with sharp, bold flavor.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Finally, give your soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed. Serve it hot, and feel free to top with extra cheese or crunchy croutons for added texture. This finishing touch personalizes your bowl of comfort!
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup is a wonderful way to add both flavor and visual appeal. Think extra shredded sharp cheddar, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, or even crispy bacon bits if you want a savory crunch. Fresh chives or parsley also brighten up each bite with a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This soup is a great stand-alone meal, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread or warm garlic toast is pure magic. A simple green salad on the side can balance the richness nicely, especially with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or a grilled cheese sandwich are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your soup in mini bread bowls for a fun and edible presentation that impresses guests. Alternatively, layering crumbled cheddar crackers on top just before serving adds crunch and extra cheesy flavor. Pour the soup into colorful mugs for casual dinners or lunchboxes, making it cozy and convenient at the same time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reunite the creamy texture and melted cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but take care with the cream and cheese, which may change texture slightly after freezing. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to maintain the best consistency.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy slow cooker broccoli and cheese soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. This ensures the cheese doesn’t separate and the soup stays silky smooth. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help loosen it up if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying and rich in taste.
Is it possible to use other types of cheese?
Definitely. While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with gouda, fontina, or even a smoky smoked cheddar for a twist on flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! Cauliflower, celery, or even potatoes can be great additions, but keep their cooking times in mind. Adding softer vegetables is best closer to the end to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe on the stove by simmering the ingredients gently until the vegetables are tender, then finishing with cream and cheese. It’s just a bit more hands-on but still delicious.
How thick should the soup be?
It should be creamy and pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth or cream to loosen the texture to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade creamy comfort, and this Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe is a testament to that. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh vegetable goodness, and has that cheesy, velvety richness that makes every spoonful feel like a special occasion. If you’re searching for a cozy, satisfying dish to brighten any day, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to soup!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, comforting broccoli and cheese soup slow-cooked to perfection. This hearty soup combines tender broccoli, shredded carrots, sautéed onions and garlic, and a rich blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar. Slow cooking deepens the flavors, while optional blending creates a luxuriously smooth texture. Perfect for chilly days or as a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Others
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and chicken broth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Slow Cook Vegetables: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the broccoli is tender and cooked through.
- Optional Blending: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the slow cooker, or blend a portion separately and return it to the pot.
- Add Cream Cheeses: Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 20–30 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Incorporate Cheddar: Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring well between each addition until completely melted. Take care to avoid boiling the soup after cheese is added to prevent curdling.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, optionally topped with extra shredded cheese or croutons for added texture.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- Do not boil the soup after adding cheddar cheese to prevent the cheese from separating.
- Adjust the consistency by blending more or less of the soup as preferred.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
