There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of a warm, creamy soup ready and waiting for you. And when that soup is this incredible Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, it feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling a long day or someone who just wants a cozy dinner with minimal effort, this recipe is exactly what you need. Let me guide you in making a soup so delicious, it might just replace your favorite Panera order!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: Hands-off cooking heaven!
- Servings: About 6 big bowls of creamy goodness
- Skill Level: Super beginner-friendly (thank you, Crock Pot!)
Why You’ll Love This Soup 🥣
This isn’t just any broccoli cheese soup—it’s rich, flavorful, ridiculously easy to prepare, and adaptable for different lifestyles (hello, keto friends!). Here’s why you need this recipe in your life:
- Effortless to make: Toss everything in your Crock Pot and let it work its magic.
- Creamy and cheesy, with the perfect vegetable-to-cheese balance.
- Works for different needs: keto, healthy tweaks, or indulgent comfort food vibes.
- A versatile base! Make it with potatoes, noodles, or even go gluten-free!
- Uses frozen broccoli for convenience. No chopping required.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This recipe is inspired by warm bowls of Panera’s famous broccoli cheese soup and my undying affection for comforting, cheesy meals. But here’s the thing: this version is better. Why? You control the ingredients! You can load it up with broccoli, tweak its thickness, and make it as rich (or light!) as you’d like. Plus, it’s all done in a slow cooker, so you can focus on your day while dinner makes itself.
Ingredients (Your Shopping List 🛒)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this soul-warming bowl of broccoli cheese joy. (Exact measurements and details are in the recipe card below!):
- Broccoli: Use frozen broccoli florets for convenience or fresh if you have them on hand.
- Cheese: Velveeta for that magical creaminess, shredded cheddar for flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Optional, but adds a rich and silky texture.
- Potatoes (optional): For a heartier soup, dice up some potatoes!
- Milk or Half and Half: For the perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The base that ties it all together.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cornstarch (optional): For thickening, if needed.
Pro Tip: Want to make this soup keto-friendly? Skip the potatoes and thicken it with heavy cream instead.
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How to Make Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup (Step-by-Step)
This recipe couldn’t get any easier! If you’ve never cooked soup in a Crock Pot, this is the perfect place to start.
1️⃣ Load Up Your Crock Pot
Toss your broccoli, broth, seasonings, and any optional potatoes into your Crock Pot. If you’re using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets for even cooking.
2️⃣ Let It Cook
Set your slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The broccoli should be tender and your house will smell absolutely amazing.
3️⃣ Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
If you like a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency. Want some chunks? Only blend part of the soup.
4️⃣ Add Cheese Magic
Stir in the Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and cream cheese. Let these ingredients melt fully into the soup, which creates that velvety texture we all love.
5️⃣ Final Touch: Adjust Thickness
If you prefer a thicker soup, create a cornstarch slurry (mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of water) and stir it into the soup. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Watch the video tutorial here!
Serving Suggestions 🥖
Give your broccoli cheese soup the love it deserves with these drool-worthy serving ideas:
- Classic: Pair it with crusty bread or baguettes for dunking heaven.
- Panera-Style: Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and filling meal.
- Lighter Option: With a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies.
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Variations to Try 🌟
Think of this recipe as your canvas—mix it up and make it your own:
- Keto-Friendly: Use heavy cream instead of milk, skip any optional potatoes, and add an extra helping of broccoli.
- Broccoli Cheddar Lasagna Soup (Yes, Really!): Add noodles to create this whimsical twist on a classic.
- Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup: Add extra diced potatoes for a heartier, potato-forward version.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in cauliflower or carrots alongside your broccoli.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips 🧊
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s so good, there’s no guarantee), here’s how to keep your soup fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes like a dream! Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Immersion Blender (optional for desired texture)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Frozen or fresh broccoli florets – 4 cups
- Velveeta cheese – 8 oz cubed
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup
- Cream cheese optional – 4 oz
- Diced potatoes optional – 1 cup
- Milk or half and half – 2 cups
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Onion powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp to taste
- Pepper – 1/2 tsp to taste
- Cornstarch optional, for thickening – 1-2 tbsp
Instructions
Load the Crock Pot:
- Combine the broccoli, broth, seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper), and optional diced potatoes in your Crock Pot. If using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets for even cooking.
Set to Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the broccoli is tender and fragrant.
Blend for Creaminess:
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer some chunks, blend only part of it.
Add Cheeses:
- Stir in the Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and cream cheese (if using). Allow these cheeses to melt fully into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture.
Adjust Thickness:
- If the soup needs thickening, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it into the soup. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Serve and Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Recommended Tools 🥄
Here’s what will make cooking (and eating) this soup even better:
- Crock Pot: Your trusty slow-cooking friend.
- Immersion Blender: For achieving that creamy, dreamy consistency.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving that cheesy goodness.
Your Next Bowl of Comfort Awaits! 🥦🧀
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe in your own kitchen. It’s everything I love about slow-cooked meals: easy, nourishing, comforting, and endlessly flexible. Whether you’re channeling your inner Panera fan or embracing full-on cozy mode, this soup is bound to hit the spot. Make it for yourself, your family, your friends—just make it! And don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. 💬
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! ➡️ 📌
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