Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Craving a comforting meal with minimal effort? Look no further than this easy, delicious Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe. Picture this: tossing in fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and a few more ingredients into your crockpot before heading out for the day. The anticipation of coming home to the aroma of a warm, cheesy soup is simply irresistible.

This Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a game-changer for busy days. Simply let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day, and return to a rich, velvety soup that tastes like a labor of love. The combination of tender broccoli and gooey cheese, paired with a side of crusty bread for dipping, is a true comfort food experience. Embrace the convenience of dump-and-go meals that deliver on flavor, just like this soul-warming soup.

Quick Benefits

• Convenience: Easy dump-and-go recipe that cooks itself in the crockpot, making dinner prep a breeze.
• Cost-Effective: Affordable ingredients create a homemade soup that tastes better than store-bought versions.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic vegetables produces a creamy, rich soup that pleases both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different broth options, cheese variations, or additional veggies to suit personal preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you. Perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this soup. The creamy cheese sauce and soft broccoli make it a hit with the little ones.
• Economical: Making this soup at home is much cheaper than buying it pre-made. Plus, you can control the quality of the ingredients.
• Versatile: You can customize this soup to your liking by adding different veggies, using different types of cheese, or even swapping out the broth for a vegetarian option.
• Comforting and Delicious: The combination of cheesy goodness with tender broccoli is a classic comfort food that’s hard to resist. Pair it with some crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy it fresh or freeze for later.
• Easy Cleanup: Since this soup is made in a crockpot, there’s minimal cleanup involved. Just one pot to wash after enjoying a hearty meal.

Ingredients for Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

• 4 cups cut-up broccoli.
• 1 spoon salt.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch.
• 2 spoons butter.
• 1/2 cup cut-up onion.
• 2 spoons cut-up garlic.
• 4 cups shredded cheddar.
• 4 cups chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream.
• 1 spoon pepper.
• 1/2 cup cut-up celery.

Pro Tips for Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Pro Tip #1: For extra flavor, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in the butter before adding them to the crockpot. This step helps to enhance the aromatics in the soup and adds a depth of flavor to the overall dish.

Pro Tip #2: To prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy in the soup, make sure to add it when the soup is at a lower temperature. Let the soup cool slightly before adding the cheese, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.

Pro Tip #3: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same, resulting in a delicious and hearty meat-free option for all to enjoy.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Step 1: Step 01

Chop broccoli, onion, and celery into small pieces. Place in crockpot with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Step 02

Whisk together broth and cornstarch until smooth, then pour into a pot.

Step 3: Step 03

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until soft.

Step 4: Step 04

Add cream and cheese, then cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 5: Step 05

Mix thoroughly and serve while hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious crockpot broccoli cheese soup, store any leftovers in a tight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume the soup within 3 days for the best quality. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent separation of the ingredients. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing the finished soup. Place the cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen broccoli cheese soup can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stove, stirring well to ensure a creamy texture. By properly storing and reheating the soup, you can continue to savor its comforting flavors and creamy goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe, there are several ingredient substitutions you can consider. If you don’t have fresh broccoli, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative. When it comes to cheese, feel free to experiment with different types like Gouda or Jack cheese for unique flavor profiles. Mixing various cheeses can also add depth to the soup. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute heavy cream with milk for a slightly different texture.

If you want to make a vegetarian version of this soup, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same. This substitution maintains the creamy and comforting aspect of the soup without the addition of meat. Remember to taste and adjust seasonings accordingly when making substitutions to ensure the soup maintains its delicious flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious crockpot broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls for a fun twist on a classic dish. The creamy soup paired with the crusty bread makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top for an extra cheesy finish.

For a lighter option, serve the crockpot broccoli cheese soup alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing salad will provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy soup, creating a well-balanced and flavorful meal. This combination is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a casual gathering with friends.

FAQs for Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Simply dump it in frozen without thawing. Keep in mind that it might need about 30 minutes less cooking time since it’s pre-chopped. Make sure the broccoli is soft before adding the cheese.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still end up with a creamy and filling soup without meat.

What other types of cheese can I use besides cheddar in this soup?

You can use any melty cheese of your choice in this soup. Consider trying Gouda for a smoky flavor, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or even a mix of different cheeses as long as they melt well.

Can I reheat and store leftovers of this soup?

Yes, you can store leftovers of this soup in a tight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 3 days. To reheat, heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a game-changer when it comes to easy and delicious meals. The simplicity of tossing everything into the crockpot and coming back to a warm, comforting soup is unmatched. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

The beauty of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup lies in its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences – whether that means swapping in different cheeses, adding extra veggies, or adjusting the creaminess level. And don’t forget to pair it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this recipe, and let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy a cozy and nourishing bowl of homemade goodness.

Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup

“Set it and forget it with this hearty Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup – a creamy, cheesy blend that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time16 Minutes

Cook Time390 Minutes

Total Time406 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (None)

Ingredients

• 4 cups cut-up broccoli.
• 1 spoon salt.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch.
• 2 spoons butter.
• 1/2 cup cut-up onion.
• 2 spoons cut-up garlic.
• 4 cups shredded cheddar.
• 4 cups chicken broth.
• 1 cup heavy cream.
• 1 spoon pepper.
• 1/2 cup cut-up celery.

Instructions

1. Step 01: Chop broccoli, onion, and celery into small pieces. Place in crockpot with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 02: Whisk together broth and cornstarch until smooth, then pour into a pot.
3. Step 03: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until soft.
4. Step 04: Add cream and cheese, then cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
5. Step 05: Mix thoroughly and serve while hot.