Broccoli cheddar soup has always been my ultimate comfort food. The first chilly night of fall, I can practically hear my soup pot calling from the back of the cupboard. There’s just something about that creamy, cheesy goodness paired with hearty broccoli that makes everything feel a little less hectic—even when my kitchen looks like a tornado hit it.
First, let me admit: I’m not the type who calmly preps every ingredient before starting. Nope. I’m the person frantically grating cheese while onions sizzle. So, if you’re like me and sometimes forget to chop the broccoli until the last minute, you’re in the right place. Broccoli cheddar soup is forgiving and flexible, which is why it’s been my weeknight hero more times than I can count. It’s the soup I crave when I want something warm, cheesy, and just a little bit healthy without a lot of fuss.
My Kitchen Story
First of all, let me paint the picture: it’s a Tuesday, everyone’s hungry, and my brain is already halfway asleep. I grab my trusty soup pot—no fancy gadgets, just one pot and a wooden spoon. Honestly, I love that this broccoli cheddar soup doesn’t need a slow cooker (though, Slow Cooker Broccoli Soup does have its own charm for lazy weekends) or anything high-tech. It’s just me, the chopping board, and a stubborn block of cheese that refuses to shred quietly.
Then, there’s the moment when the onion hits the pot and the kitchen smells like home. I always end up with a few stray broccoli florets rolling under the fridge, and the carrots never seem to grate evenly. But somehow, it all comes together. If you’re curious about other one-pot wonders, I have to mention my go-to One pot broccoli cheese soup recipe for easy and creamy comfort food—it’s a classic for a reason. Also, for those pasta cravings, One pot merry me chicken pasta creamy dinner recipe easy and delicious has saved many weeknights at my house.
What Makes It Stand Out
So, why does this broccoli cheddar soup always win in my kitchen? It’s creamy but sneaks in veggies, and you can tweak it for a Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian version or make it lighter for a Healthy Panera Broccoli And Cheese Soup vibe. Also, the whole thing comes together in one pot—less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to actually enjoy your meal (or, let’s be real, clean up the chaos). Even if you’re not a soup person, this one just might convert you. I promise, if I can pull it off in my kitchen circus, you can too!
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Fat-free chicken stock | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened, plain almond milk | 2 1/2 cups |
| Half and half | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 3 tbsp |
| Broccoli florets, chopped | 8 ounces |
| Grated carrot | 1 cup |
| Ground nutmeg (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shreds | 6 ounces |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
First, a sturdy soup pot makes all the difference for this broccoli cheddar soup. While you could try a slow cooker for a hands-off approach, I find simmering on the stovetop lets you keep an eye on the texture and gives you a bit of control over the final thickness. If you’re a fan of Slow Cooker Broccoli Soup, you can certainly adapt this recipe—just sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to your Crockpot and cook on low for about 4 hours.
Also, a good whisk comes in handy when blending in the cheese and making sure the soup stays smooth. Sometimes, I’ll swap in a little extra carrot or use vegetarian stock if I’m making Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian for friends. For more tips on building a healthy bowl, check out this nutrition resource. Finally, don’t forget—if you love easy, comforting meals, you’ll want to try this creamy ranch chicken in the Crockpot too. It’s a family favorite in our kitchen!
Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
Step 1
First, prepare all your ingredients for this broccoli cheddar soup. Chop the onion and broccoli, mince the garlic, and grate the carrot. Then, lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the onion, garlic, broccoli florets, and carrot directly to the crock.
Step 2
Next, pour in the fat-free chicken stock. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, half and half, and cornstarch until smooth. After that, pour this mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg (optional), kosher salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle mix to combine the flavors for this Slow Cooker Broccoli Soup.
Step 3
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4 hours, or until the broccoli is tender. Once done, turn off the heat. Gradually add the reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shreds, stirring as you go so the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving. If you want a Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian , use vegetable stock instead of chicken.
Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine
Sometimes, I forget to whisk the cornstarch until it’s lump-free, but doing so really helps the soup stay creamy. Also, for a richer texture, try blending half the soup before adding the cheese. If you like a healthy twist similar to Healthy Panera Broccoli And Cheese Soup , use all almond milk and skip the half and half. For more weeknight inspiration, check out this Easy slow cooker chicken burrito bowl recipe for a healthy weeknight dinner. Or, if you want another cozy meal, try the Slow cooker marry me chicken recipe easy dump and go crockpot dinner. Finally, don’t worry if your soup isn’t perfectly smooth—those broccoli bits add charm!
What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
First, when you have a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, it practically begs for something to dip or scoop. Try a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or a soft dinner roll. For a fun twist, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Next, if you want a heartier meal, pair your soup with a slice of Baked mediterranean flatbread pizza recipe easy and delicious. The flavors really pop together.
Also, soup and sandwich is a classic combo. A veggie-packed grilled cheese or a simple turkey and avocado sandwich rounds things out. If you’re on a healthy kick, roasted chickpeas or air-fried veggie chips make fun, crunchy sides. Finally, for a Mediterranean touch, add a few olives or a little hummus on the side. And if you’re curious about more Mediterranean flavors, check out this Pan fried mediterranean style chicken piccata with lemon and capers recipe.
How to store and reheat
First, the slow cooker method keeps this soup super creamy, which helps it store beautifully. Let it cool, pop it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop or even return it to the slow cooker on low. Stir occasionally to keep that velvety texture. If you freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or broth to freshen things up. The Crockpot keeps those flavors cozy and comforting, even after a few days!
FAQ
Can I make this broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ve got a lovely Broccoli Cheddar Soup Vegetarian version.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, especially if you use reduced-fat cheese and milk. It’s easy to turn it into an Easy Healthy Broccoli Cheddar Soup by adding more veggies and keeping the cream light.
Will this taste like the Healthy Panera Broccoli And Cheese Soup?
It has a similar creamy texture and satisfying flavor! Many folks say it’s a great homemade alternative to Healthy Panera Broccoli And Cheese Soup .
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, just cool the soup completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat gently, and add a splash of broth if it thickens up.
How do I make this a low-calorie broccoli soup?
Use skim milk, light cheese, and load up on the broccoli. That way, you have a Low-calorie Broccoli Soup that’s still creamy and filling.
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Full recipes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, healthy, and flavorful dish combining fresh vegetables and reduced-fat cheese. It’s perfect as a comforting low-calorie meal option.
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fat-free chicken stock
2 1/2 cups unsweetened, plain almond milk
1/2 cup half and half
3 tbsp cornstarch
8 ounces broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup grated carrot
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 ounces reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese shreds
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray, then add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes just soft, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the chicken stock.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, half and half, and cornstarch.
5. Stir this mixture into the pot and bring everything to a boil.
6. Once boiling, add the broccoli, grated carrot, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
7. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, around low to medium heat.
8. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
9. Remove the lid, turn off the heat, and gradually whisk in the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, to prevent clumping.
10. Continue whisking in all the cheese until fully melted.
11. Allow the soup to sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
Use vegetable stock to make the soup vegetarian.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the cheese from clumping.
For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup before adding cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Finally, there’s something magical about coming home to a pot of slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup bubbling away. It fills the kitchen with comfort and makes dinner easy on busy days. Next time you’re craving something warm and cozy, remember this recipe is simple to tweak—add more veggies, swap the cheese, or lighten it up for a Healthier Broccoli Cheddar Soup experience.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy the Baked mediterranean flatbread pizza or try something new like Pan fried mediterranean style chicken piccata with lemon and capers. And if you’re looking for more inspiration or want to save your favorite recipes, follow us on Pinterest for even more cozy ideas. Thanks for sharing your kitchen with me!