Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  There's nothing more satisfying than a bowl of rich, creamy soup, especially when the weather turns chilly.  This Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that's both easy to make and loaded with goodness.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or something cozy for a weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

• Effortless Preparation:  Simply toss the ingredients in your crockpot, and let it do all the work while you co about your day.
• Creamy and Cheesy:  Velveeta adds a velvety texture and unbeatable cheesy flavor, making this soup irresistibly rich.  
• Perfect for Any Occasion:  Whether served as a hearty lunch, a dinner side, or even a party appetizer, this soup hits the spot every time.  

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

• 4 cups of Fresh or Frozen Broccoli Florets (finely chopped if desired)
• 1 Onion, diced (or 1 Tbsp Dried Minced Onion)
• 2 Carrots, washed and shredded
• 1 (32 oz) box of Velveeta style cheese, cubed
• 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 1 cup Milk or Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:  Chop the broccoli florets, dice the onion, and shred the carrots (I actually like to blend my carrots with a little broth for a super fine texture).  For a smoother soup, finely chop the broccoli, or keep the pieces larger for a chunkier texture.  
2. Load Up the Crockpot:  Add the broccoli, onion, carrots, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Velveeta.  Add the Chicken Broth.
3. Cook and Melt:  Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is melted.  
4. Make it Creamy:  At this point the cheese will still appear to be in cubes.  Don't worry.  Simply stir and watching the Velveeta melt into the broth for a rich and creamy soup.  For extra creaminess, add the milk or heavy cream here.  
5. Serve and Enjoy:  Ladle your rich, cheesy broccoli cheddar soup into bowls and serve hot.  For extra indulgence, top with more shredded cheddar cheese or even crispy bacon bits.  Serve with crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping.  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

This is what it will look like.

Now I know what you are thinking "MANDEE!!!  WHAT HAVE YOU MADE ME DO!?!  THIS LOOKS HORRIBLE!!!"

Calm down, calm down.  Everything is fine.  Just...Start...Stirring.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PERFECT BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP:

• Velveeta Magic:  Velveeta melts smoothly, making it a perfect choice for creamy soups.  If you want even more cheese flavor, add extra sharp cheddar.  
• Thick or Thin:  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk in a little more flour or even use cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water).
• Customizable:  Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.  
• Freezing Options: This soup freezes well!  Just let it cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?  

Absolutely!  Fresh broccoli works just as well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.  Just ensure the broccoli is cooked until tender before adding the cheese.  

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes!  Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version. 

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Velveeta gives this soup its signature creamy texture, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheddar and colbly for a more complex flavor.  

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals.  Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the texture if it thickens after refrigeration. 

There's something about the combination of tender broccoli and creamy Velveeta cheese that creates a soup worth savoring.  With just a few ingredients and your trusty crockpot, this broccoli cheddar soup is a comforting, cheesy bowl of heaven that's perfect for any occasion.  Try it for dinner, pack it for lunch, or make a big batch to share with family and friends.  This recipe is bound to become a household favorite!  

OH!  And if you would like to see this made in real time, check out the video below!  :)

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~