Name: Easy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486886H16M6S
Total time: PT-486886H16M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces fresh broccoli; 8 ounces carrots (baby carrots or chopped); 1.5 cups celery; 1 onion; 6 garlic cloves; 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Easy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a rich and hearty classic made even simpler with a slow cooker. It’s packed with tender vegetables, creamy broth, and melted sharp cheddar cheese, offering warmth and comfort in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is effortless to prepare—just chop, cook, and blend. It’s perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd, and the slow cooking process builds deep, rich flavor. You can customize the texture, keeping it smooth or adding broccoli chunks for extra heartiness. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

32 ounces fresh broccoli
8 ounces carrots (baby carrots or chopped)
1.5 cups celery
1 onion
6 garlic cloves
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups heavy cream
8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Prepare The Vegetables
Chop the broccoli, celery, and onion into chunks. Reserve 1/4 of the broccoli florets to add later for texture. Add chopped carrots and garlic.
Cook In The Crock Pot
Place all the vegetables (except reserved broccoli) into the crock pot. Pour in the broth to cover. Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Blend The Soup
Once tender, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. This step creates the creamy soup base.
Add Cream And Cheese
Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Then add the shredded cheddar a little at a time, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Remaining Broccoli Florets
Stir in the reserved broccoli florets and cook on low for another 20–30 minutes to soften them slightly, giving the soup a chunkier texture if desired.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 4.5–6.5 hours (depending on setting)

Variations

Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice
Replace cheddar with a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavor
Stir in cooked rice or orzo for a heartier soup
Make it lower-carb by replacing some carrots with extra broccoli

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well—no need to thaw. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I make it extra smooth?

Blend thoroughly with an immersion blender or use a countertop blender in batches for an ultra-smooth texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the cream with coconut cream or non-dairy milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What kind of cheddar is best?

Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts well into the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your broth and cheese labels.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or a few dashes of hot sauce when seasoning.

Can I cook it on the stovetop?

Yes—simmer everything in a large pot until tender, blend, then stir in cream and cheese as directed.

What’s a good side for this soup?

It pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh green salad.

Can I meal prep this soup?

Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge or freezer and is great for reheating throughout the week.

Why reserve broccoli florets?

Adding some florets later preserves texture and adds visual appeal for those who prefer chunkier soups.

Conclusion

This Easy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a comforting classic you can prepare with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and full of vegetables, it’s a nourishing meal that fits into busy days or cozy evenings. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy this delicious bowlful any time of year.

Ezabella