Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
65 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.
I used to work at Panera for the free broccoli & cheddar soup, seriously lol. Followed recipe exactly, except used 3 heads of broccoli. The extra broccoli made it hearty, next time I will simply cut the florets smaller. Resist urge to add more broth while broccoli is cooking. And double recipe! I was hoping to have leftovers to freeze…not a drop was left between me, my boyfriend, and brother! Recipe officially added to my book. Thank you! Panera is never getting another dollar from me
I’ve made this several times. We love it and it makes the house smell so good!
Can I use 2% milk instead of heavy cream
Yes, that will work fine.
Could you use another type of cheese instead of Velveeta? If so what would you recommend?
Best recipe EVER! I made it once for my coworkers and now they request me to make it at all functions and an occasional random Wednesday! If you want tasty comfort food, this is it! Thank you!!
good eats
Was wonderful!
For the nutrition facts, is that per how many oz of soup?
I don’t take measurements. It’s for 1/8 of the recipe.
Tried this recipe only omitting the carrots and it was awesome, absolutely delicious. I’ve made it several times because my family loves it. Thanks for the recipe!
Instead of cooking on high for 4 hours will 2-3 be good enough? I started kinda late so just wondering
The onions will probably still be crunchy.