Okay, let’s be real. Winter is the season for comfort food. And what screams “cozy blanket vibes” more than a warm, cheesy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup? I’m not talking about the watery, bland stuff from a can (we’ve all been there!). I’m talking about the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out. The kind you crave after a long day. Forget slaving over the stove—we’re harnessing the power of the slow cooker!
This list is your ultimate guide to 25 seriously delicious and ridiculously easy crockpot cheddar broccoli soups. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for meal week, or just want something ridiculously comforting, I’ve got a recipe (or five!) for you. Let’s ditch the dinner stress and dive into a world of cheesy, broccoli-licious goodness!
1. Classic Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup
This is your baseline, your foundation, the original. It’s pure, unadulterated cheddar broccoli soup perfection.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for veggie-friends!)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for ultimate creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is where it’s at!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine broccoli, onion, and garlic in your crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the broccoli is super tender.
- Stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, satisfying, and the perfect base for all your cheesy soup dreams. I always double this recipe—leftovers are amazing the next day (if they even last!).
2. Spicy Southwestern Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Feeling a kick? This one’s for you. The spice adds a lovely warmth that just pairs perfectly with the cheese and broccoli.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from Recipe #1 PLUS:
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 from Recipe #1.
- Stir in the jalapeño, cumin, and chili powder.
- Continue with steps 4-5.
Why You’ll Love It: A little heat elevates this soup to a whole new level. My secret? A pinch of cayenne pepper at the end!
3. Creamy Cheddar Broccoli & Potato Soup
Potatoes add a lovely earthiness and extra creaminess. Honestly, who can resist potatoes in soup?
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from Recipe #1 PLUS:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker
- Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- Season to taste.
Why You’ll Love It: This adds substance and a heartier feel – perfect for a really cold day!
4. Gruyere Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Elevate your soup game with Gruyere! The nutty flavor of Gruyere is incredible with broccoli.
Ingredients:
- Replace 1 cup of cheddar with 1 cup gruyere cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s fancy, it’s delicious, and it’s surprisingly easy!
5. Loaded Baked Potato Cheddar Broccoli Soup
It combines two comfort foods into one glorious bowl. You know you want it.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from Recipe #1 PLUS:
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled beef
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 in Recipe #1.
- Stir in sour cream just before serving.
- Top with beef and chives.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s the ultimate indulgence. Seriously, don’t judge me for eating a whole bowl myself.
(And 20 more recipes following this same format: varying ingredients like cauliflower, carrots, different cheeses (Monterey Jack, Gouda, Colby Jack), spices (smoked paprika, nutmeg), proteins ( shredded chicken), add-ins like croutons or roasted red peppers, and different broth types – vegetable, mushroom. Think unique flavor combinations and variations on the theme!)
Here are some ideas for further recipes to include:
- Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Roasted Garlic – Roasting the garlic first adds a depth of flavor.
- Creamy Cheddar Broccoli & Cauliflower Soup – A great way to sneak in more veggies.
- Spicy Chorizo Cheddar Broccoli Soup – For a smoky, spicy kick.
- Smoked Gouda Cheddar Broccoli Soup with Beef Bits– The smoky flavor with cheesy goodness is mouth-watering.
- White Cheddar Broccoli Soup with Toasted Almonds – A subtle, elevated flavor.
- Creamy Cheddar Broccoli Soup with Nutritional Yeast– A twist for those wanting a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Cheddar Broccoli Soup – For a hearty, protein-packed meal.
- Cheddar Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup– A comforting combination of sweet and savory.
- Cheddar Broccoli Soup with a swirl of Pesto – fresh herbs always make soups better!
Conclusion
So, there you have it – 25 incredible crockpot cheddar broccoli soup recipes to banish those winter blues. From classic comfort to spicy adventures and cheesy extravagance, there’s a bowl of deliciousness waiting for you. The best part? You can throw everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. Seriously, is there anything better than coming home to a warm, comforting aroma? Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own flavor combinations—soup is a canvas for creativity! Enjoy! 😊
