There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy broccoli cheddar soup slowly simmering in the kitchen. The scent alone feels like a warm blanket on a chilly afternoon. I remember the first time I made this in the crockpot during a rainy weekend. The house smelled rich and savory, and every time I lifted the lid to stir, steam wrapped around me like a hug. It’s one of those meals that doesn’t ask for much effort but gives back so much comfort.
Broccoli cheddar soup always reminds me of cozy cafés where you cradle a warm bowl with both hands. But making it at home feels even better. You control the ingredients, the creaminess, the seasoning. And honestly, the slow cooker does most of the work. It’s the kind of recipe you start in the morning and forget about until dinner time. Perfect for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or when someone in the house needs a little comfort food therapy.
What I love most about this version is how simple it is. No complicated techniques. No fancy tools required. Just fresh vegetables, good broth, and plenty of cheese melting into silky goodness. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup has a way of bringing everyone to the table a little faster.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup :
Step 1 :
Add the chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. I’m using the Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, but honestly any crockpot you already have will work perfectly fine.
Step 2 :
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir gently to combine everything. I mixed mine using the OXO Good Grips 3 Quart Mixing Bowl before transferring, but you can mix directly in your crockpot if you prefer.
Step 3 :
Cover and cook on high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 4 :
Add the heavy cream, shredded white cheddar, and cubed Velveeta. Stir well so the cheese begins to melt. I like using a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula to scrape the sides, but any spatula from your kitchen works just as well.
Step 5 :
Continue cooking on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts smoothly.
Step 6 :
Turn the slow cooker to low and cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and flavors to fully develop.
Step 7 :
Stir thoroughly and serve hot. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful.
Who This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Is Perfect For :
Kid-Friendly Appeal :
The smooth and creamy texture makes it easy for little ones to enjoy. The mild cheesy flavor feels familiar and comforting. The bright color makes vegetables feel less intimidating. The soft cooked broccoli blends gently into every spoonful.
Comfort-Food Lovers Benefits :
The rich cheese and cream create a deeply satisfying bowl. Each bite feels warm and soothing on cold days. The slow simmered flavors bring a sense of home. It offers that cozy café feeling without leaving the house.
Busy-Life Adults Advantages :
The slow cooker handles most of the work for you. Preparation takes only a few simple steps. Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup. Leftovers reheat well for simple meals the next day.
Vegetarian / Dietary Friendly Appeal :
The vegetables make it hearty without needing meat. It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth. The creamy base makes it filling on its own. It pairs easily with simple sides for a balanced meal.
Dietary:
contains dairy, contains gluten, family friendly, Non Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food made effortlessly in your crockpot. Fresh broccoli and sweet carrots simmer in seasoned broth before being finished with rich heavy cream, white cheddar, and velvety cheese for a thick, creamy, restaurant-style soup perfect for cozy nights.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients
4cups Fresh broccoli (Chopped)
10oz Shredded carrots (Bagged)
3cups Chicken broth (Low sodium preferred)
1tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
1tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
1tsp Garlic powder
1tsp Onion powder
1tsp Paprika
1cup Heavy cream (Full fat)
8oz White cheddar cheese (Shredded)
6oz Velveeta cheese (Cubed)
Instructions
1
Add broccoli, carrots, and chicken broth to crockpot.
2
Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3
Cook on high for 3 hours.
4
Add heavy cream, white cheddar, and Velveeta.
5
Cook on high for 1 hour.
6
Turn to low and cook for 30 minutes.
7
Stir well and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat32g50%
Saturated Fat19g95%
Trans Fat0.5g
Cholesterol95mg32%
Sodium980mg41%
Potassium620mg18%
Total Carbohydrate16g6%
Dietary Fiber3g12%
Sugars6g
Protein18g36%
Vitamin A 120 mcg
Vitamin C 65 mg
Calcium 420 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Vitamin D 1 mcg
Vitamin E 2 mg
Vitamin K 85 mcg
Thiamin 0.1 mg
Riboflavin 0.4 mg
Niacin 1 mg
Vitamin B6 0.3 mg
Folate 60 mcg
Vitamin B12 1.2 mcg
Biotin 5 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.8 mg
Phosphorus 350 mg
Iodine 40 mcg
Magnesium 45 mg
Zinc 2.5 mg
Selenium 10 mcg
Copper 0.1 mg
Manganese 0.4 mg
Chromium 3 mcg
Molybdenum 8 mcg
Chloride 700 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to prevent separation.
Substitutions Swap heavy cream for half and half for a lighter option. Sharp yellow cheddar can replace white cheddar. Vegetable broth works instead of chicken broth.
Serving ideas Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or inside a bread bowl for a restaurant-style presentation.
Mistakes to avoid Do not boil after adding cheese to prevent curdling. Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain texture.
Chef tips Blend half the soup for extra creaminess while keeping some chunks for texture. Shred your own cheddar for smoother melting.
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Wholesome whisk team
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Welcome to WholesomeWhisk.com,where each recipe is a warm embrace and a shared smile. Born on Pinterest from your encouragement and love, we’ve turned our passion for simple, soul-satisfying dishes into this cozy blog. Here, we celebrate every batter-covered bowl, small kitchen victory, and memory that lingers long after the last bite. Pull up a chair, and let’s nourish body and spirit together.