Name: Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 bag frozen broccoli); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups shredded carrots; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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If there’s one dish that wraps you up in comfort like a cozy sweater, it’s Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food. This creamy bowlful is brimming with vibrant broccoli, sweet carrots, aromatic onion, and layers of sharp cheddar all mingling together in a luscious, velvety soup. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or just craving some nourishing “me time,” this slow cooker favorite hits the spot every time with minimal effort and tons of flavor.

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a starring role in taste, texture, and color. Broccoli brings the earthy freshness, sharp cheddar gives the irresistible cheesy note, and a hint of spice ties everything together in the creamiest way.

Broccoli florets (4 cups fresh or 1 bag frozen): The heart of this soup, broccoli gives a nourishing green base and delightful texture.
Small onion, diced: Onions add a gentle sweetness and depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): A must for its fragrant, savory undertone in every spoonful.
Shredded carrots (2 cups): For subtle sweetness, color, and a hint of extra body.
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): Creates a flavorful backdrop; veggie broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every other flavor.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For mild warmth and balance.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds smoky depth and a pop of color.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a hint boosts the creamy, cheesy notes.
Half-and-half or whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Makes the soup deliciously rich and creamy.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, optional): For thickening the soup just the right amount.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star ingredient—choose a good quality sharp cheddar for bold flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food

Step 1: Layer the Vegetables and Seasonings

Begin by grabbing your crockpot or slow cooker and adding the broccoli, diced onions, minced garlic, and shredded carrots straight into the pot. Pour in the low-sodium broth, then sprinkle over the salt, pepper, paprika, and a hint of nutmeg if you like a little spice. Give everything a good stir so that the vegetables are nicely coated and the flavors start mingling from the get-go.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and choose your setting: low for 4–5 hours or high for about 2–3 hours. By the end, your veggies will be soft and everything will smell absolutely wonderful—you might have a hard time waiting! Don’t peek too often, as keeping the lid closed helps trap all the goodness inside.

Step 3: Blend for Creamy Texture

If you love silky soup, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot to blend some (or all) of the veggies to your preferred smoothness. For some contrast, leave a few broccoli florets and carrot shreds chunky so each bowl has a bit of bite. No immersion blender? Carefully scoop some soup into a regular blender, blend, and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Thicken

In a small bowl, whisk the half-and-half (or milk) with the cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker. This step transforms your soup from brothy to decadently creamy and helps it thicken just enough. Give everything a gentle stir, then re-cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes until it’s beautifully rich.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheddar

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Turn off the slow cooker and add the shredded sharp cheddar, stirring gently until the cheese melts completely. Watch as the soup turns gorgeously golden and lusciously cheesy. Taste for seasoning and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Get your bowls ready—it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food

Garnishes

A soup this dreamy deserves just the right finishing touches. Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, or snipped chives for freshness. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a swirl of cream takes it over the top, making every bite even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm rolls for dunking, but it’s also fantastic in a bread bowl if you’re feeling fancy. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies—you’ll have a balanced meal that still feels totally indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food into a showstopper by serving in mini mugs at a party or ladle into a rustic sourdough boule for a shareable centerpiece. You can also serve it as a starter in small cups for holiday gatherings; even picky eaters find it hard to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days—it stays creamy and delicious, making lunch or dinner prep a total breeze throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food, let it cool first and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before adding the cheese and milk for optimal texture, then stir those in fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot and creamy. If the soup looks a little separated, just whisk in a splash of milk. For quick meals, the microwave works too—heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring often for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works beautifully in Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food and saves you some prep time. There’s no need to thaw first; just toss it straight in with the other ingredients.

What’s the best way to make the soup thicker?

If you like your soup extra thick and creamy, don’t skip the cornstarch step. You can also blend more of the vegetables or add an extra handful of cheddar for extra body.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use cornstarch for thickening and check that your broth is certified gluten-free, this soup is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.

Can I add extra protein?

For a heartier version, stir in diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or even a scoop of white beans before serving. These mix-ins play really well with the creamy, cheesy base and make the soup extra satisfying.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can puree the soup in batches using a traditional blender. Let the soup cool slightly first, blend carefully (with the vent open to avoid steam build-up), and then return the pureed portion to the crockpot. Or you can skip blending entirely for a chunkier, rustic version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with minimum fuss and maximum flavor, you really have to give this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food a try. I promise, it will quickly become one of your favorite fixes for a cozy night in—happy cooking!

Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Easy Recipe for a Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome vegetables, it’s a perfect meal for cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 bag frozen broccoli)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded carrots
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Add Vegetables to Slow Cooker: Combine broccoli, onion, garlic, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
Blend and Thicken: Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture, then add a mixture of half-and-half and cornstarch. Cook for an additional 20–30 minutes.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Serve warm with bread.