Broccoli Cheese Soup Velveeta Crock Pot Recipe

Broccoli cheese soup is one of those classic comfort foods that seems to bring warmth to any meal. Rich, creamy, and cheesy with a satisfying depth of flavor, this soup is a staple for many families-especially during colder months. Now, if you add Velveeta cheese and a slow cooker to the equation, you’re truly in for a treat. The best part? It’s super easy to make, requiring minimal effort yet delivering an impressive dish.

Using a crock pot not only ensures that your soup is cooked to perfection but also allows you to set it and forget it. By the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll be greeted with a velvety, cheesy, vegetable-packed soup that’s both hearty and comforting. And if you’re someone who loves to tweak recipes to your liking, this one is incredibly versatile, too!

Let’s break this down in detail so you can make the absolute best Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Crock Pot using Velveeta. This guide will walk you through every aspect-from the ingredients to expert tips, and even how you can customize the recipe to suit your taste buds.

Broccoli Cheese Soup Velveeta Crock Pot Recipe

This Broccoli Cheese Soup is super simple to make using a Velveeta cheese base, which gives the soup that signature creamy texture and rich, gooey cheesiness. The slow cooker makes everything even easier, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together perfectly as the soup cooks. It’s a win-win, whether you’re serving it up for a casual dinner, a holiday gathering, or even a cozy lunch.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 1 pound fresh broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli will give the soup a vibrant color and an earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese. You can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have, but fresh tends to give the best texture.
• 1/2 cup onion (diced): The onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory depth to the soup base.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is the aromatic powerhouse that enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a fragrant, savory kick.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This acts as a thickening agent and gives the soup a smooth, creamy base.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The broth adds depth of flavor and a slight savory undertone, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
• 1 package (16 oz) Velveeta cheese (cubed): This is the star of the show. Velveeta melts beautifully and creates the smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup so irresistible.
• 1 cup heavy cream: To amp up the richness and creaminess, the heavy cream rounds out the Velveeta for a silky smooth soup.
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: A little extra cheddar brings more complexity to the flavor and adds a bit of bite to contrast the creamy base.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust this based on your preferences, but a little salt will elevate all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper gives the soup a subtle zing without overpowering the cheese.
• Optional toppings: Crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup in a crock pot is incredibly simple and straightforward:

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets and dicing the onion. Mince the garlic as well. If you like your broccoli softer, feel free to chop it a bit smaller.
2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: In your slow cooker, combine the chopped broccoli, diced onion, minced garlic, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cubed Velveeta cheese, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4-5 hours. The cheese will melt into the broth and create a luscious base while the broccoli cooks to a tender texture.
4. Add Cream and Cheddar: Once the soup is fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with any optional garnishes like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, or fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

• Velveeta Cheese: Velveeta is a processed cheese that melts incredibly well, making it a go-to for creamy dishes like this soup. It has a smooth, velvety texture and doesn’t separate like some other cheeses might when melted. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor complements the richness of the soup.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient acts as the soup’s thickening base and contributes a rich, comforting flavor. It gives the soup an almost gravy-like consistency, making it luxuriously creamy.
• Broccoli: Broccoli is not only packed with nutrients (vitamins C, K, fiber), but its slight bitterness also balances out the richness of the cheese and cream. Plus, it adds texture, so you’re not just drinking cheese sauce but actually enjoying a chunky, hearty soup.

Expert Tips

• Sauté the Garlic and Onion: If you have a few extra minutes, consider sautéing the garlic and onion in a bit of butter before adding them to the slow cooker. This enhances their flavors and adds a touch of sweetness to the soup.
• Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli works in a pinch, fresh broccoli really elevates the dish by adding a firmer texture and better flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Soup: While it’s tempting to let the soup sit in the crock pot all day, it’s best to cook it on low for 4-5 hours. Cooking it longer can cause the broccoli to overcook and become mushy.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you find the soup too thick, add more chicken broth or even a splash of milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can let it cook a bit longer with the lid off to reduce the liquid.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan/Vegetarian Version: Swap out the Velveeta for a plant-based cheese alternative, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version. This will give you a vegan-friendly version that still holds onto the creamy, comforting texture.
• Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken to the soup for extra protein and flavor. Crumbled bacon on top is a great garnish, adding crunch and a smoky note that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy version, add some chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a spoonful of sriracha for some heat. This pairs especially well with the richness of the cheese.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in other veggies like carrots, cauliflower, or even some sweet potatoes. You can also throw in a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients.

Final Words

This Broccoli Cheese Soup with Velveeta in a Crock Pot is the ultimate comforting meal for any occasion. With minimal effort and a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, creamy soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with friends and family.