When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats the comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup, and Cheesy Broccoli Soup might just be the ultimate answer to your cravings. This isn’t just any soup-this is a velvety, cheesy, and creamy bowl of heaven that combines the earthiness of broccoli with the rich comfort of melted cheese, all simmered together in the convenience of a Crock Pot. What could be better?
The best part? This recipe takes the stress out of cooking. You can throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget about it. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or a cozy meal to feed a crowd, this soup can be your go-to solution. Plus, it’s easy to customize, which makes it a perfect dish for all kinds of tastes and dietary preferences.
Let’s break down how you can make this Cheesy Broccoli Soup in your Crock Pot and why it’s so easy to love!
Cheesy Broccoli Soup Crock Pot Recipe
Here’s the step-by-step guide to making a rich, creamy, and cheesy broccoli soup that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients Needed
To create this cheesy masterpiece, you won’t need much-just the essentials to bring out those delicious flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Broccoli Florets (fresh or frozen) – 4-5 cups, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Fresh broccoli gives a more vibrant texture, while frozen is a time-saver.
- Yellow Onion – 1 medium, chopped finely. Adds a sweet, savory depth to the soup.
- Carrot – 1 medium, sliced thinly (optional but adds a subtle sweetness and color).
- Garlic Cloves – 2-3, minced. You’ll be amazed at how garlic enhances the richness of the soup.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth – 4 cups. You can use either depending on dietary preferences.
- Cream of Broccoli Soup (canned) – 1 can. This pre-made base adds flavor and helps thicken the soup.
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup. For that velvety smooth texture.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups. The heart and soul of the cheesy goodness.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste. A little salt to enhance the flavors, and some pepper to balance the richness.
- Butter – 2 tbsp. Adds a little richness to the base.
- Flour – 1 tbsp (optional). Helps thicken the soup if you want a more decadent consistency.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking this soup is as simple as can be with a Crock Pot. Follow these steps to create a creamy, cheesy broccoli soup:
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Prep The Ingredients
- Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Dice the onion, garlic, and slice the carrot if you’re using it.
- Grate the cheese if you bought a block of cheddar.
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Layer The Ingredients
- In the slow cooker, add your chopped broccoli, carrots (if using), onions, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of cream of broccoli soup. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
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Cook On Low
- Set your Crock Pot to cook on low for 4-5 hours. The vegetables will soften, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
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Finish The Soup
- Once the veggies are tender, stir in the heavy cream, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for another 30 minutes on low, stirring occasionally until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- If you want a thicker consistency, mix the flour with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the soup, stirring it in. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the soup has thickened.
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Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with a little extra shredded cheese if desired for an extra cheesy finish.
Ingredient Insights
- Broccoli: Aside from being the star of the show, broccoli is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while enjoying a comforting soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the key to getting that rich, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the creaminess of the soup. You can use other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella if you want to try different flavors.
- Cream of Broccoli Soup: Using canned soup might seem like a shortcut, but it really does save time while adding an extra layer of flavor. It’s also a great way to make the base of the soup thicker without needing a roux or extra steps.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup so decadent and creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the texture and richness might not be as indulgent.
Expert Tips
- For a Richer Flavor: If you want an even more savory depth of flavor, try sautéing the onions and garlic in a little butter or olive oil before adding them to the Crock Pot. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and gives the soup a more complex flavor profile.
- Blend for a Creamier Texture: If you like your soup extra smooth, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup before adding the cheese. This will give you a creamy texture without the chunky vegetables.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy twist. It complements the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- Make it Vegan: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth, use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream), and choose a plant-based cheese to make this soup vegan.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Lovers’ Edition: For those who love bacon, crispy bacon bits are an amazing addition. Just sprinkle them on top when serving to add crunch and a smoky flavor.
- Add More Veggies: You can throw in other veggies like cauliflower or spinach for a heartier soup. Cauliflower especially gives a nice creamy texture when blended.
- Potato Cheesy Broccoli Soup: Add diced potatoes to the soup for more substance. The potatoes help thicken the soup naturally and add a lovely texture.
Final Words
This Cheesy Broccoli Soup is one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s so easy to make in the Crock Pot that it takes minimal effort, leaving you plenty of time to relax or tend to other things. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a winner.
The beauty of this soup is in its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your tastes, whether that means adding bacon, experimenting with different cheeses, or making it dairy-free. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it!