Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
73 CommentsUpdated Jun 25, 2026
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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.
Table of Contents
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
If you love Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, you’re in for a treat with my slow cooker broccoli cheese soup recipe. 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!
Key Ingredients
- Broccoli: The star ingredient! You’ll need lots of it! 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.
- Carrots & Onion: Classic flavor that adds to the soup’s overall appearance and flavor.
- Chicken Broth & Cornstarch: Creates a smooth, thick base.
- Velveeta & Heavy Cream: You may not realize it, but Velveeta (or American cheese) is in most restaurants’ broccoli cheddar soup recipes – it makes for a very smooth soup. Heavy cream adds even more richness.
- Seasonings: Just garlic powder and pepper to let the veggies shine.
How to Make Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
This is truly an easy one-pot soup for the crockpot!
- Chop up the broccoli into bite sized pieces, don’t worry, they’ll cook down even more.
- Add the onions, carrots, broth, and seasonings.
- Cook until the veggies are ultra soft.
- Stir in the creamy Velveeta cheese and heavy cream.
Do I have to use Velveeta Cheese in Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup?
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.
Broccoli Cheese Soup Variations
Quick Prep: Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe and saves time on prep.
Other Broth: Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth. Avoid using water or beef broth, as they won’t complement the flavors as well.
Make it Smooth: Use an immersion blender to create a smooth “cream of broccoli” soup if desired.
Add Protein: Enhance the soup by adding shredded chicken, diced ham, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor and heartiness.
My Favorite Serving Ideas
Toppings: Add some toppings to your crockpot broccoli cheddar soup like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, freshly cracked pepper, or chopped green onions to make it your own. or sprinkle on some oyster crackers, croutons, or saltines for a little crunch.
Sides: Pair it with crusty bread, garlic bread, or cornbread. It’s also great with a sandwich, a side salad, or even poured over a baked potato.
More Slow Cooker Soups to Try
Crack Potato Soup and Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup are creamy, comforting favorites loaded with cheese and flavor.
Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup and 15 Bean Soup with Ham are hearty, veggie-packed options perfect for filling you up.
Kielbasa Potato Soup and Crockpot French Onion Soup both bring bold, savory flavors that feel like a full meal.
If you tried this Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Happy Slow Cooking!
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.
Made this tonight, the flavor was great but it turned out pretty thin. Next time I think I’ll use more Velveeta and corn starch, but it’s a keeper!
Also had to double up on the garlic powder and add 1/2 tsp salt.
Can I double this? If so do I use 64oz of broth that seems like a lot.
64 oz. is only 8 cups which is not a lot for a doubled recipe.
I’m making this recipe for the first time to serve at a dinner for the homeless. I want to double the recipe as some of the reviewers have, but I am wondering if I will need to increase the cooking time? Also, I have a 6 quart and an 8 quart crockpot. The 6 quart always seems to cook more evenly, so I prefer to use it for this recipe. Do you think a 6 quart can hold/cook a doubled recipe quanity? Thank you!
I think it will fit in a 6 quart. I think the ame cooking time should work, or just a touch longer.
I am delayed at reviewing this recipe, but I am making this soup again (and doubling the recipe again) so I was reviewing the comments and notes to see if anyone has made this in advance, and then reheated the entire amount (I have to deliver my soup early for a mid-morning & lunch event). I didn’t see that specific Q&A, but I did want to let folks know that after trying MANY Broccoli Cheese recipes over the years, this recipe was by far a HOME RUN and the very best from a standpoint of tastiness and ease of cooking & prep. Everyone loved it and the entire kettle was eaten while other soups (which were good as well) were left. People really loved it and it was easy to make for a very large crowd. Thank you for posting this recipe!
Iām going to make this soup this week! Just wondering how big of a portion Is 308 calories. Is that for 1 cup, 2 cups??
Thank you!
The nutrition is just an estimate, you will have to figure that out if you are on a strict diet.
Wonderful and delicious
Made it today my husband love it. Thank you so much
This is D-Lish. This is the first time I made Cream Broccoli soup in a slowcooker. This will be my GO TO recipe from now on.
I don’t tolerate milk very well. Can I use something else besides heavy cream?
I’m unsure what would work well. You could leave it out?
They make a great lactose/dairy free cream cheese you could use.
You know how they have Silk brand almondmilk, which is non-dairy. Well they also have non-dairy/lactose free cheese that you could sub for regular cheese if the dairy in cheese is hard for you to tolerate like milk. They also have dairy free heavy whipping cream for you to sub. I’m supposed to stay away from dairy as well so all the dairy liquids I sub out with lactose free stuff and cheese I just use regular since it’s never really eating a lot of it at one time, but you could sub that out. I don’t recommend using the coconut milk items as it would change the flavor of your food. The almond milk ones don’t do that but make sure you’re not getting the super sweet milk, did that once didn’t work out great for the bread I used it in! LOL Good luck and hope your soup comes out great! Let us know how it works out.
I do not tolerate cream well either so I used 2/3 cup soy milk mixed with 1/3 cup olive oil as a substitute. It turned out great!
Try coconut milk
Can I use Spring Onions in this soup?
Yes, will work fine!
Great Flavor and Taste !!
Great recipe…thanks so much, enjoyed it immensely..