There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy, cheesy broccoli soup to take the chill off a cold day. This classic comfort food favorite just hits the spot, filling you up while warming you from the inside out. And when you make crockpot broccoli cheese soup, that cozy meal becomes incredibly easy and hands-off too!
Part 1: Why Make Broccoli Cheese Soup in the Crockpot?
The Hands-Off Appeal of Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
One of the biggest advantages of using your crockpot or slow cooker for broccoli cheese soup is just how hands-off the cooking process is. Simply load up the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinnertime. The low and slow heat allows all the flavors to meld and develop for richer taste.
While the crockpot works its magic, you can go about your day worry-free. The contained moist heat helps tenderize the veggies and infuse them with whatever seasonings you add. So you get maximum flavor from simple ingredients with hardly any effort!
Meal Prep Made Easy with Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Another great reason to make a big batch of crockpot broccoli cheddar soup? Meal prepping! Cook once, and you’ve got easy reheat-and-eat meals for the whole week. This cheesy soup reheats beautifully, so you can quickly defrost single portions whenever a comfort food craving strikes.
Freeze any leftovers in single-serve containers, and you have the start of an easy, homemade meal waiting for you down the line. A stash of pre-made crockpot broccoli cheese soup in the freezer makes healthy eating so much more convenient.
Part 2: Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Selecting Broccoli for Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
For the best texture and flavor, seek out fresh broccoli crowns when making broccoli cheddar soup in the crockpot. The vibrant green veggie will lend a crisp, slightly sweet essence. If you’re in a rush, frozen broccoli florets will also work in a pinch.
For an extra flavor boost, consider roasting your broccoli before adding it to the soup. The high-heat roasting brings out incredible depth of flavor in the broccoli that will take your crockpot soup to new levels.
Cheese Options for Creamy Crockpot Broccoli Soup
While cheddar is the classic cheesy choice for broccoli soup, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese varieties or blends. A mix of cheeses like gruyere, fontina, gouda or even a store-bought “soup cheese” blend can create more complex flavors.
No matter which cheese you use, make sure to shred or cube it first. This helps it melt smoothly and incorporate fully into the creamy broth. The amount of cheese you add will also determine just how thick, gooey and decadent your soup turns out.
While cheddar is classic, this cheese primer explores other cheese options that melt smoothly.
Getting the Perfect Creamy Texture for Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
To reach that perfectly thick yet pourable soup consistency, you’ll want to include additional dairy beyond just cheese. Milk, cream or half-and-half can be added to find the perfect creamy texture you prefer.
For an extra velvety, indulgent soup, try stirring in a few ounces of cream cheese as well. It makes the soup luxuriously rich and smooth.
Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 2 12-oz bags frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere or fontina cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Transfer to crockpot and add broth, milk, broccoli, mustard powder, salt and pepper.
- Cook with a lid on for 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH.
- In the last 30 mins, stir in cream cheese and shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese, croutons, etc if desired.
Notes:
- Can sub frozen broccoli florets and adjust liquid if needed.
- For a thicker soup, use more cream cheese or less broth.
- Add cooked chicken, ham or sausage for extra protein if desired.
For tips on selecting the freshest broccoli crowns, check out this guide to buying broccoli.
Part 3: Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup Cooking Steps
The Flavor-Boosting Sauté for Crockpot Broccoli Soup
While the beauty of crockpot cooking is the hands-off nature, there is one extra step that’s worth the small bit of effort – sautéing the aromatics first. Taking a few minutes to sauté the onions, garlic, celery, etc. in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker amps up the flavor base considerably.
Those browned aromatic vegetables create a deeper, more developed taste that will be the backbone for your cheesy crockpot broccoli soup. It’s a simple prep step that makes a big impact.
Slow Cooker Setting
One of the most common questions about making any crockpot recipe is what setting to use – low or high heat? For broccoli cheddar soup, the low setting that cooks the soup over 6-8 hours is ideal. The long, gentle simmer allows the vegetables to fully break down and their starches to release, creating a thicker, more velvety soup.
That said, the high heat setting for 3-4 hours can also work if you’re more crunched for time. Just know the vegetables likely won’t become quite as buttery soft. Check your specific recipe for recommended cooking times.
Finishing Touches
No matter which temperature you use, there’s one crucial step for the perfect creamy finish – stir in the shredded cheese just before serving. Adding it too early could cause it to break down and become grainy.
In the last 15-20 minutes, stir in the cheese a little at a time until it’s fully melted and incorporated. This ensures you’ll have a smooth, gooey, cheesy broccoli soup.
Finally, consider garnishing your bowls with an array of fun toppings. Homemade croutons, crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh chives or thyme, or an extra dusting of shredded cheese can add great crunch, color, and flavor contrast.
Part 4: Delicious Variations on Classic Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
Protein Boosters
While vegetarian crockpot broccoli cheddar soup makes a delightful light meal, there are easy ways to add protein to make it even more satisfying and filling.
Cooked chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage can all work well stirred into the cheesy soup toward the end of cooking. Start with a cup or two to make it a heartier, meat-and-veggie type meal.
Veggie Loaded
On the flip side, you can easily amp up the vegetable ratio and nutritional content by tossing in additional veggie varieties along with the broccoli.
Try adding diced carrots, cauliflower florets, fresh or frozen spinach, or any other vegetable that pairs nicely with the rich, creamy cheese base. It’s an easy way to incorporate even more nutrients.
Spice It Up
Finally, don’t be afraid to play with spices and seasonings to put a new spin on this classic comfort food soup. A dash of spices like cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Italian spices can lend zesty flavors.
Or add a kick of heat with red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a few dashes of hot sauce stirred in at the end. A touch of smoky, spicy or herby flavors can complement the cheesy richness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this crockpot broccoli cheese soup recipe?
Yes, using frozen broccoli florets is a convenient time-saving option that works very well for making crockpot broccoli cheese soup. The slow cooking process will allow the frozen broccoli to break down and incorporate nicely into the creamy cheese base.
How long does it take to cook broccoli cheese soup in the crockpot?
Cooking times can vary quite a bit based on your specific recipe and crockpot model, but in general, you’ll want to allow around 6-8 hours on the low setting or 3-4 hours on high for the soup to cook fully. Check for fork-tender veggies and a thickened consistency.
What type of cheeses melt best for a smooth, creamy texture?
For an ultra-creamy and smooth broccoli cheese soup, sharp cheddar is definitely a classic choice. However, other excellent melters include gruyere, fontina, gouda, or cheese blends labeled as “soup cheese” or “melting cheese.” On the other hand, avoid lower-moisture cheeses that can become grainy when melted. By carefully selecting your cheese, you can achieve a deliciously smooth and satisfying texture, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.
Conclusion
Once you try making broccoli cheese soup in the crockpot or slow cooker, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to recreate this comfort food favorite from childhood. By loading up the fresh ingredients and letting the crockpot do all the work, you can enjoy that creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed goodness with hardly any hands-on effort.
Best of all, this versatile soup lends itself to endless variations. Make it vegetarian, add chicken or ham, load it up with extra veggies, or give it a spicy kick. No matter how you customize it, crockpot broccoli cheese soup always delivers soul-satisfying, stick-to-your-ribs coziness in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days!
So, grab your crockpot and start prepping a big batch. Once you taste how rich and comforting a homemade version can be, you may never go back to canned or restaurant broccoli cheese soups again. Indeed, the aroma and flavor of a freshly made soup will undoubtedly elevate your culinary experience. Furthermore, by customizing ingredients to your preference, you can make it even healthier and more delicious. Above all, the satisfaction of creating this cozy dish from scratch makes the entire cooking process worthwhile.