Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy, Cheesy Comfort in Every Bite

When it comes to cozy, comforting soups, it’s hard to beat a rich, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup. This slow cooker version delivers all the creamy goodness of a classic broccoli cheddar soup with minimal effort. Packed with tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. It’s easy to prepare, gluten-free, and requires just a few simple ingredients that meld together beautifully in the crockpot.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup takes the classic flavors of broccoli and cheddar and transforms them into a silky, indulgent dish that’s perfect for slow cooking. Broccoli cheddar soup is a fan favorite for a reason—it's warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying. By letting the ingredients slowly cook together in the crockpot, you create a soup that’s bursting with flavor and so easy to make that it will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup Will Become Your Favorite Fall Soup

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You toss your veggies and spices into the slow cooker, let them simmer away, then blend for a creamy texture before stirring in a luscious cheese sauce. The end result? A thick, velvety broccoli cheddar soup that’s not only easy to make but incredibly delicious. Whether you're serving it up as a quick lunch or pairing it with a crusty piece of bread for dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 3g

This soup is not only flavorful but also nutritious, with fiber from the broccoli and carrots, and protein from the cheddar cheese. It’s a great gluten-free option that will satisfy your creamy soup cravings.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious on its own, but you can easily dress it up with some tasty toppings. Try sprinkling crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, or fresh herbs like chives on top for added flavor and texture. This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a toasted baguette, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. For extra indulgence, serve it in a bread bowl to soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover broccoli cheddar soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. The soup may thicken slightly when stored, so feel free to add a splash of chicken stock or milk when reheating to reach your desired consistency. This soup doesn’t freeze as well due to the dairy content, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Fun Fact: The Magic of Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s also a great source of plant-based calcium, making it a healthy addition to any diet. When combined with sharp cheddar cheese, broccoli takes on a whole new level of flavor, making it a staple in soups, casseroles, and even roasted as a side dish.

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Cooking Tips

1. Blend to Your Desired Texture: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the broccoli mixture, leaving some broccoli florets whole. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend until all the ingredients are creamy.
2. Use Sharp Cheddar: For the best flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. It has a more intense flavor that stands out in the soup and balances the sweetness of the carrots and the mildness of the cream.
3. Fresh Nutmeg Adds Depth: A small pinch of freshly ground nutmeg enhances the flavor of the cheese and broccoli without being overpowering. It’s a subtle, yet important, addition to the soup.

Optional Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier soup, add shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked bacon bits to the soup.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock to make this soup vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• ½ yellow onion, diced small
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 4 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup gluten-free flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Crispy bacon bits
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives or parsley

Instructions:

1. Prep the slow cooker: Combine the broccoli, onion, shredded carrots, chicken stock, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld.
3. Blend the soup: After 4 hours, remove about ⅓ of the broccoli florets and set them aside. Use an immersion blender to blend the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend less. Return the reserved broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten-free flour to form a roux, stirring until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker to create a smooth sauce. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream.
5. Add cheese: Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese to the roux mixture, stirring until fully melted and combined into a smooth cheese sauce.
6. Combine: Pour the cheese sauce back into the slow cooker and stir to fully combine. Continue cooking on high for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, or fresh herbs if desired.

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This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. With its rich, cheesy flavor and creamy texture, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this broccoli cheddar soup is sure to deliver. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.