Description
Creamy, cozy, and packed with real ingredients, this Broccoli and Cheese Soup in a Slow Cooker is everything you love about classic comfort food—made easier. This quick dinner idea is full of fresh broccoli, sweet carrots, sharp cheddar, and a velvety base slow-simmered to perfection. It’s one of the best easy recipes for busy weeknights, lunch prep, or chilly evenings. Perfect for anyone hunting down healthy snack options, easy dinner recipes, or vegetarian food ideas that actually taste incredible.
Ingredients
4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Optional garnish: extra cheese, croutons, or chives
Instructions
1. Wash and chop the broccoli, dice the carrots and onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Add broccoli, carrots, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir lightly.
3. Set the slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours until vegetables are tender.
4. In the last 30 minutes, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then add milk and whisk until smooth and thickened.
5. Add the roux and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir well.
6. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and fully incorporated.
7. Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for a creamier texture if desired.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with garnishes and sides.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for best melting and texture.
To avoid curdling, add cheese and cream at the end over low heat only.
For a lighter version, substitute cream with extra milk or use almond milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: slow cooker soup, broccoli cheddar soup, easy dinner, vegetarian comfort food