Description
This Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker is rich, creamy, and ultra comforting—perfect for chilly nights or meal-prep days. It simmers low and slow to allow the flavors of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, and aromatic vegetables to fully develop into a hearty soup the whole family will love. Serve with crusty bread or in a bread bowl for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
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
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add broccoli, shredded carrots, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the broccoli is tender.
4. Optional: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the slow cooker, or blend a portion and return to pot.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 20–30 minutes until the cream cheese is melted.
6. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually in small handfuls, stirring well between each addition until melted. Avoid boiling.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with more cheese or croutons if desired.
Notes
For the smoothest melt, always add cheese slowly and stir constantly with heat on low or off.
Fresh broccoli provides better texture, but frozen works well if added frozen (no need to thaw).
For gluten-free: replace flour with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: broccoli cheese soup, slow cooker soup, crockpot broccoli cheddar