Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Cozy and Effortless Classic 🥦🧀

When life gets busy but your soul craves comfort food, this Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is here to save the day. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a warm, creamy, and hearty dish perfect for any day. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual lunch, this soup will become your go-to favorite!

This slow-cooked version makes life even easier by letting your crock pot do all the work. Let’s dive in and get started on this flavorful journey!

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Hands-Off Cooking: The crock pot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Classic Comfort: Creamy cheddar and tender broccoli create a soup that’s both hearty and nostalgic.
Customizable: Easily tweak the seasonings or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores beautifully for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

Broccoli (1 large head, chopped): About 4 cups of florets for that signature flavor.
Carrot (1 large, grated): Adds sweetness and color.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): A savory base.
Chicken or vegetable broth (3 cups): The flavorful foundation of the soup.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a subtle kick.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the depth of flavor.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of earthiness.

For Creaminess and Flavor:

Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the soup rich and velvety.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): To season to perfection.

Tools You’ll Need

Crock pot or slow cooker: The star of the show!
Immersion blender (optional): For achieving your desired soup texture.
Ladle: For serving.

How to Make Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop the broccoli into small florets, grate the carrot, and finely chop the onion. These simple steps make for quick assembly in the crock pot.

2. Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Place the broccoli, carrot, onion, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme into the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the broccoli is tender and the flavors are well melded.

4. Blend for Texture (Optional)

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier soup, skip this step.

5. Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

6. Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

What to Serve with Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can make it even better:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping.
Simple Green Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast.
Baked Potato: A hearty complement to the creamy soup.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Use Fresh Cheddar: Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy texture.
Blend to Your Liking: For a super creamy soup, purée all the ingredients. If you prefer texture, leave some chunks of broccoli intact.
Don’t Overcook the Cheese: Add the cheese at the end to prevent curdling.
Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika or nutmeg for a subtle depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months, but leave out the cream and cheese before freezing—add them fresh when reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Thaw it first, and reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli cooks faster.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

How can I thicken the soup?

Stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water, or add a scoop of mashed potatoes for extra thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you love about a classic comfort dish—easy, creamy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Looking for more cozy crock pot meals? Try my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Potato Soup for more soul-warming ideas. And if you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your photos and tag me—I’d love to see how your soup turned out!

Here’s to warm bowls and happy hearts. Enjoy! 🥦🧀