Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
63 Comments Jan 31, 2023
Updated May 30, 2025
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Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup is a cozy, cheesy meal loaded with fresh broccoli, carrots, and creamy goodness—perfect for cold days.
If you love Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, you’re in for a treat. I created this version with a velvety-smooth base that’s rich and full of flavor—made easily at home with just a few simple ingredients. Make a full pot of this soup to eat on for days. Try my Chicken Broccoli Pasta which has the exact flavors of this soup!
What you’ll need
- Broccoli – Fresh or frozen, for that classic hearty bite
- Carrots & Onion – Add sweetness and depth
- Chicken Broth & Cornstarch – Creates a smooth, thick base
- Velveeta & Heavy Cream – For smooth cheesy richness
- Seasonings – Just garlic powder and pepper to let the veggies shine
- A Large Crockpot
Do I have to use Velveeta Cheese?
No, you don’t have to use Velveeta. For the best flavor, use 3 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar instead—added gradually just before serving. Avoid mild cheeses, which can taste bland, and skip pre-shredded cheese since it doesn’t melt as smoothly. Stir in one cup at a time for a creamy finish.
Variations
- Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe and saves prep time.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth. Avoid using water or beef broth, as they won’t complement the flavors as well.
- Use an immersion blender to create a smooth “cream of broccoli” soup if desired.
- Enhance the soup by adding shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and heartiness.
My Favorite Serving Ideas
- Serve this soup in a bowl or make it extra filling by using a sourdough bread bowl.
- Add some toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, freshly cracked pepper, or chopped green onions to make it your own.
- Pair it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or sprinkle on some oyster crackers, croutons, or saltines for a little crunch.
- It’s also great with a sandwich, a side salad, or even poured over a baked potato.
Featured Comment
“I used to work at Panera for the free broccoli & cheddar soup, seriously lol. Followed recipe exactly, except used 3 heads of broccoli. Recipe officially added to my book. Thank you! Panera is never getting another dollar from me.”
– Brittany
Try These Next:
Broccoli adds the perfect touch to crock pot meals, and if you’re looking for unique ways to cook with it, try my Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole or my Cheesy Broccoli Chicken or Chicken and Broccoli.
Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
How to Video
Ingredients
- 2 heads broccoli, 6-8 cups after being cut or can use 14-16 ounces of frozen broccoli
- 2 carrots, shred with a cheese grater or dice small.
- 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- 1/4 cup corn starch
WAIT TO ADD THESE INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. velveeta cheese, (this is the smaller box)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Cut the heads of broccoli by cutting off each floret. Cut the stem into medium size pieces. Add to the slow cooker. If using frozen, no need to cut up more.
- Add the carrots, onion, garlic powder and pepper.
- In a large bowl whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch. The chicken broth must be at room temperature or cold for this not to clump. Pour over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Stir.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
- When the cooking time is up pour in the heavy cream and velveeta (cut into cubes). Stir.
- Replace the lid and cook for 20 more minutes on HIGH.
- Serve and enjoy!
Sarah’s Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More slow cooker soup recipes:
Crack Potato Soup and Baked Potato Soup are creamy, comforting favorites loaded with cheese and flavor.
Minestrone Soup and 15 Bean Soup with Ham are hearty, veggie-packed options perfect for filling you up.
Kielbasa Potato Soup and French Onion Soup both bring bold, savory flavors that feel like a full meal.
Delicious and fool-proof like all your wonderful recipes! Thank you, Sarah!
do you think adding a mild beer to sub for part of the 32 ounces of chicken broth might
add another dimension of flavor?
Anyone working should look up your recipes for a “dinner is done” work nite! 8 )
I think that would amazing! Like a beer broccoli cheese soup. Thank you for the kind comment.
Recipe was very easy however I found it to be very bland. Will definitely try again but using the 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar instead.
I have used this recipe for a large gathering before and I received wonderful compliments by many. One self-described “Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup expert” said this was better than Panera! High praise indeed! I am scheduled to make this again for another large gathering, but this time it will be a luncheon, so I need to get it to the event before noon. I am contemplating cooking the soup today and then reheating… Are there any suggestions to easy reheating (in bulk) this recipe? I will be doubling the recipe, so will be reheating a lot of soup. Ideally I could do that in the crockpot, but I’m not sure since the cooking process adds the cheese and the cream at the very end. THANK YOU!!!
Delicious and so simple! Love the way it made the house smell so cozy on a fall day!
This soup is delicious. My parents request for me to make it when I come over and visit. I definitely prefer using velveeta instead of shredded cheese. I followed the recipe, exactly because it doesnt need any changing, in my opinion.
I make this all the time especially in the winter months and always a double batch.
I omit the carrot and add some extra corn starch to make it thicker. Might try adding the extra cheese next time to see how that makes it. I also use frozen broccoli and frozen white onions. I don’t dice onions. 🙂
It’s def a winner in our house.
I used a can of evaporated milk instead of the heavy cream. (I couldn’t get to the grocery store) It was delicious!!
I added cream of onion soup and soup greens Delish
My 4 1/2 qt slow cooker had plenty of room. The wife and I agreed it was good as-is but not quite cheesy enough for our tastes. I added 4 oz of freshly grated pepper jack cheese to the still hot crockpot and perfecto! It even thickened it up to the consistency we wanted. So, this goes into my recipe folder with just that one change. I’ll probably make this a couple times a year during the cold months. Thank you.
Can I sub vegetable broth for chicken broth?
Yes! Vegetable broth will work well.