Cold Outside? This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Will Fix That

Picture this: it’s freezing, you’re starving, and the last thing you want is another sad microwave meal. Enter Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup—creamy, cheesy, and stupidly easy to make.

No fancy skills required. Just dump, wait, and devour. Your slow cooker does all the work while you binge Netflix.

And yes, it tastes better than Panera’s. Fight me.

Why This Recipe Slaps

Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?

First, it’s hands-off. No babysitting a pot on the stove.

Second, the flavor is next-level—sharp cheddar, tender broccoli, and a velvety base that’s not gloppy like some canned abomination. Third, it’s customizable. Hate onions?

Toss ’em. Want it spicy? Add hot sauce.

This soup is your canvas, and you’re the lazy artist.

What You’ll Need

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, we’re not judging)
  • 1 small onion, diced (or 1 tbsp onion powder if you’re anti-chopping)
  • 3 cups chicken or veggie broth (store-bought is fine, Gordon Ramsay won’t show up)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar (pre-shredded works, but block cheese melts better)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half if you’re pretending to be healthy)
  • 3 tbsp butter (this is not the time for margarine)
  • 1/4 cup flour (for thickening, not building a papier-mâché project)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (because fresh garlic is effort)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste, aka until your soul is satisfied)

How to Make It (Without Ruining It)

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  1. Sauté the onions. Melt butter in a skillet, cook onions until soft (or microwave them if you’re lazy).
  2. Make the roux. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. This prevents your soup from tasting like paste.
  3. Dump everything in the crockpot. Broccoli, broth, cream, spices, and the onion mixture. Stir.
  4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. High for 2-3 if you’re impatient.

    Broccoli should be tender.


  5. Blend half the soup. Use an immersion blender or mash with a fork for a chunkier texture.
  6. Add cheese. Stir in cheddar until melted. Taste. Adjust salt.

    Try not to drink it straight from the pot.

Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?

Storing Leftovers (If You Have Any)

Cool the soup and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave (stirring occasionally, unless you enjoy lava-hot pockets of cheese). Freezing?

It’s possible, but the texture might get grainy. IMO, just eat it all now.

Why This Soup is Basically a Superfood

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Broccoli = vitamins. Cheese = happiness.

The combo gives you protein, calcium, and fiber. It’s also low-carb if you skip the bread bowl (but why would you?). Plus, it’s comfort food that doesn’t taste like sacrifice.

Winning.

Common Mistakes (Don’t Be This Person)

  • Using pre-shredded cheese. It contains anti-caking agents that make your soup grainy. Grating your own is worth it.
  • Overcooking the broccoli. Mushy broccoli = sad soup. Check it at the 4-hour mark.
  • Skipping the roux. Without it, your soup will be watery.

    Do you want soup or broccoli-flavored milk?


Swaps and Upgrades

No heavy cream? Use evaporated milk. Vegan?

Swap cheese for nutritional yeast and coconut milk (it won’t taste the same, but it’s decent). Add bacon, mushrooms, or jalapeños if you’re feeling fancy. Want it thicker?

Toss in a peeled, diced potato before cooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. No need to thaw—just toss it in. Frozen broccoli is cheaper and works just as well.

Why did my cheese separate?

You added it while the soup was boiling.

Always stir cheese in off the heat to keep it smooth.

Can I make this on the stove?

Sure, but then it’s not a crockpot recipe, is it? Simmer for 20-30 minutes instead.

Is this soup keto-friendly?

Yep. Just skip the flour (use xanthan gum to thicken) and double-check your broth has no added sugar.

Final Thoughts

This soup is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.

Minimal effort, maximum reward. Perfect for lazy cooks, busy parents, or anyone who thinks cheese is a food group. Make it.

Eat it. Thank me later.

Want to Cook Delicious Plant-Based Meals From Scratch But Have No Idea Where To Start?

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