This Broccoli Cheese Soup made in the crock pot is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients. Perfect for chilly evenings or a family-friendly meal, it’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that’s sure to satisfy. With the rich flavors of cheddar and broccoli combined, this soup is hearty enough to stand alone or pair well with a side of crusty bread.

Making soup in a crock pot is not only convenient but it enhances the flavors as everything simmers together, making it the perfect low-effort meal. Just add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Whether you’re serving a large family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

With just a few ingredients, this soup comes together quickly and then lets the crock pot do the work, making dinner a breeze.

2. Comforting & Hearty

Packed with tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and comforting broth, this soup is rich and filling, perfect for cozy nights.

3. Creamy & Cheesy

The combination of cream and cheddar cheese creates a luscious texture, and the broccoli adds a nice balance of freshness.

4. Customizable

Feel free to add extra ingredients like garlic, onions, or even carrots for more depth of flavor.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk (or cream for a richer soup)
Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or another vegetarian-friendly option for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Spicy Kick

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat in your soup.

Add Protein

Include some shredded rotisserie chicken or bacon bits for added protein if desired.

Add Carrots

Grated carrots or small chopped carrots can be added to enhance the flavor and texture.

Low-Calorie Option

Use low-fat cream or milk and opt for a reduced-fat cheese to make the soup lighter without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

In your crock pot, add the broccoli florets, chopped onion, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth.

Step 2: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup (leave some chunks for texture), or transfer the soup to a blender in batches, then return it to the crock pot.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Milk

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or cream). Continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 5: Season

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or croutons if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blend or Leave Chunky: If you prefer a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. For more texture, leave it chunky.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Cook the broccoli just until tender, as it will break down more the longer it simmers.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For a richer soup, use full-fat milk or cream and full-fat cheese. It’ll give the soup that creamy, comforting texture you crave.
Frozen Broccoli: If you don’t have fresh broccoli, you can use frozen. Just add it directly to the crock pot without thawing.

How to Serve

This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or a sandwich for a complete meal. It also makes a great side dish for dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. You may need to add a little extra milk or cream to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just add it directly to the crock pot without thawing.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. It can be made a day or two in advance.

3. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese for an even cheesier soup.

4. Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes, replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or another vegetarian soup base for a vegetarian option.

5. How can I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or use an immersion blender to blend more of the soup.

6. Can I add garlic to the soup?

Yes! Minced garlic adds great flavor and can be sautéed with the onions before adding to the crock pot.

7. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for added flavor.

8. How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

9. Can I make this soup in a stovetop pot?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stove by following the same instructions. Just simmer on low until the broccoli is tender and then blend the soup to your desired consistency.

10. Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, you can add shredded chicken or bacon for extra protein.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheese Soup for the Crock Pot is the perfect hearty dish for cozy evenings. Simple ingredients and easy preparation make it an ideal meal for any day of the week. The rich, cheesy broth combined with tender broccoli creates the ultimate comfort food. Plus, the crock pot does all the work for you, so you can enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of soup with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is a winner every time.