Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker

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When comfort food calls your name, there’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli and cheese soup. This version brings all the coziness you crave, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. It’s rich, cheesy, and brimming with tender bites of broccoli. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this soup is as satisfying as it is simple.

The magic of the slow cooker is that it does most of the heavy lifting for you. You toss in the ingredients, set it, and go about your day. Hours later, your home smells like a warm hug and dinner is ready to serve. No constant stirring, no standing by the stove. Just creamy, cheesy goodness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Cheese Soup

This soup is a go-to comfort classic for so many reasons. It uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. The slow cooker does all the work, making it ideal for busy days. Plus, the creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it kid-approved and adult-adored alike. It’s also super easy to customize—add carrots, swap cheeses, or blend for a smoother finish.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

For that iconic rich and velvety texture, sharp cheddar is your best friend. It melts beautifully and brings bold flavor to the soup. You can also mix in a bit of mozzarella for stretch or even a spoonful of cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just be sure to use block cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can lead to a gritty soup texture.

Ingredients for the Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker

This soup is made from wholesome, simple ingredients that come together for a hearty bowl of comfort. Using fresh vegetables, flavorful broth, and the perfect blend of cheeses, you’ll have a creamy delight waiting for you by dinnertime.

• Broccoli florets: The star of the dish, they become tender and soak up the cheesy goodness while adding a nutritious touch.
• Cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for the best melt and deep flavor.
• Onion: Adds aromatic depth to the soup, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic: Just a couple cloves bring warmth and flavor to every bite.
• Carrots: Optional, but they add sweetness and color to the soup.
• Vegetable broth: A flavorful base that keeps the soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Heavy cream: For that rich, luxurious texture that makes every spoonful silky.
• Butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps blend the ingredients.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
• Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water): Thickens the soup just right without making it too heavy.

How To Make the Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and, if using, slice the carrots thinly. This makes sure everything cooks evenly and blends well.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, carrots, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and butter to your slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything.

Step 3: Let It Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the broccoli is very tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Base

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry and heavy cream. Let the soup cook uncovered to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker. Blend to your desired consistency or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese or a slice of crusty bread on the side if desired.

How to Serve and Store Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker

This soup is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with sides like crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It makes a cozy meal for a group and yields about 4 to 6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or a small gathering.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

This soup also freezes fairly well. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With Broccoli and Cheese Soup?

Crusty Bread

Whether it’s a slice of sourdough or a warm baguette, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up every cheesy drop.

Garlic Knots

Fluffy and buttery garlic knots make a satisfying, flavorful sidekick to this rich soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Go all in on the comfort food vibe with a gooey grilled cheese to dip right into your soup.

Caesar Salad

The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad add a nice contrast to the creamy soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Add even more nutrition with a side of simply roasted seasonal vegetables.

Baked Potatoes

A warm baked potato topped with sour cream or chives pairs beautifully with this cheesy favorite.

Soft Pretzels

Warm, salted pretzels bring a fun and tasty twist to your soup night.

Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

A little sweet and crunchy side like apple slices with peanut butter is a surprisingly good balance to the savory soup.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this slow cooker broccoli and cheese soup, you’re going to want to check out some of these delicious and unique soup recipes too:

• Cajun Potato Soup with smoky heat and chunky potatoes.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a protein-packed, velvety bowl.
• Mexican Sopa de Conchas for a fun pasta-filled twist.
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup when you’re craving something a little exotic and fragrant.
• Creamy Corn Dip if you want your next soup night to turn into dip night!

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you blend it smooth or keep it chunky? Add carrots or go classic?

I love hearing how you make these dishes your own. Questions are welcome too—we’re all here to share and learn from each other.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and feel-good meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next cozy favorite!

Conclusion

Slow cooker broccoli and cheese soup is one of those dependable recipes that never fails to deliver comfort. It’s simple, delicious, and highly customizable, making it a true staple for any home cook. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe might just become a new regular in your meal rotation.

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