This homemade soup rivals Panera's broccoli cheese soup and is perfect served in bread bowls. Just add a salad for a complete meal!
Whether you're looking for a delicious soup for weeknights or a cozy meal for a cold winter day, this slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients.
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The whole family will love this hearty soup that's become one of our family favorites!
This broccoli cheddar soup can be made in the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro or any appliance that has the ability to slow cook.
You can also make a pressure-cooked version using this recipe: Pressure Cooker Broccoli and Cheddar Soup.
Or, use a pot on the stove! No matter how you make it, I know you and your family are going to love it!
Suggested Kitchen Tools Cheddar Broccoli Soup
- Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro or Slow Cooker
- Ladle
- Cheese Grater (if grating fresh cheddar cheese)
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients & Substitutions
This soup uses very basic ingredients and not that many of them!
Cheese
Used in Recipe: Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
What it Does: Provides the signature cheese flavor of a broccoli cheddar soup and helps thicken the soup
Substitutions:
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Mix of cheddar and monterey jack
- Half cheddar, half Gruyère or Swiss
- Cream cheese can also be added, but I don't recommend using all cream cheese or it will drastically change the flavor of the soup
Broccoli
Used in Recipe: Fresh broccoli florets
What it Does: Main vegetable that provides texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
- Frozen broccoli florets (reduce cook time by 15-30 minutes, because frozen broccoli is blanched and will soften quicker than fresh broccoli)
- Mix of broccoli and cauliflower
- Fresh broccoli stems (cut into small pieces). I would use these as an addition to the broccoli, but, technically, you could replace all of the florets for stems if desired.
Soup Base Ingredients
Roux: Equal parts flour and fat
Used in Recipe: Salted Butter and Flour
What it Does: Thickens the soup and helps to keep the soup a creamy texture.
Substitutions:
- Unsalted butter (adjust salt to taste)
- Olive oil (for different flavor profile)
- Dairy-free butter substitute (for vegan version)
- 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Rice flour + xanthan gum (for gluten-free version)
Or
- Cornstarch slurry (use 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 Tablespoons broth or water mixed until smooth.
Liquid
Used in Recipe: chicken broth or chicken stock
What it Does: Provides liquid base and foundational flavor
Substitutions:
- Vegetable broth (for vegetarian version)
- Chicken bone broth (for richer flavor)
- Water (may need to adjust seasonings)
Heavy Cream
Used in Recipe: heavy whipping cream
What it Does: Creates rich, creamy texture and lightens the soup color
Substitutions:
- Half-and-half (lighter version)
- Evaporated milk
- Full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free option, will change the flavor)
- Omit the cream with replacing it (your soup will be darker and less rich in flavor)
Seasonings
Onion Used in Recipe: sweet onion
What it Does: Adds depth of flavor and subtle sweetness
Substitutions:
- Yellow onion (sharper flavor)
- White onion (milder flavor)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (in a pinch)
- The onion can be omitted
Garlic Used in Recipe: 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (about 3 cloves)
What it Does: Provides flavor
Substitutions:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 3 teaspoons roasted garlic (for sweeter flavor)
- The garlic can be omitted
Salt and Pepper
Used in Recipe: fine grind sea salt and black pepper
What it Does: Enhances and balances all flavors
Substitutions:
- Kosher salt (same amount)
- White pepper (for no black specks)
- Season All (reduce salt amount by half)
- salt substitute
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheddar Broccoli Soup
I used the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro to test this recipe and I tested it using High Slow Cook and Low Slow Cook.
Low Slow Cook did not get hot enough to cook the broccoli when I added all of the other ingredients including the cream and cheese at the beginning.
This may vary based on your Slow Cooker, so use the timing as a guideline and adjust based on how your slow cooker works. Low may work perfectly on some slow cookers and not at all on others.
Mise En Place (Prep for Recipe)
There is very little prep required for this recipe, which makes it very quick to throw together.
- Dice the onion into about ½" dice
- Mince the garlic cloves
- Cut the florets off the head of broccoli (or use the already cut bag from the store like I did!)
Make the Roux
Sear/Sauté function on the Ninja Possible Cooker Pro or any appliance with that function.
- Turn sear/sauté on high and add the butter.
- When the butter has melted, add the flour.
- Mix together to form a loose paste.
- Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes a light beige color.
- Add the chicken broth and stir to create a slightly thickened liquid.
Stovetop
If your slow cooker doesn't have the ability to sear/sauté, then use the stove to cook the roux.
- In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium high heat.
- Add the flour and stir to combine so it forms a loose paste.
- Add the salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Cook the flour mixture, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes a light beige color. Remove immediately from the heat, transfer it to your slow cooker and mix with chicken broth.
- Turn the slow cooker on high.
Build the Cheddar Broccoli Soup
In the Possible Cooker Pro, add the onions (you don't need to sauté them before adding them to the liquid) and the broccoli florets, stir, and put the lid on the Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro.
Quick Tip
Use both large and small broccoli florets for varying texture in the soup. You can also thinly slice the broccoli stems and add them for a little firmer texture in the soup.
Slow Cooker
Once the roux and chicken broth are mixed in the pot of your slow cooker, add the diced onions and broccoli florets. Put the lid on the slow cooker.
Slow Cook the Soup
Possible Cooker Instructions
- Select the slow cook function on HIGH
- Set the time for 1 hour (firmer broccoli) or 2 hours (softer broccoli)
- Make sure the lid is on and hit start.
When the time is up, the Ninja Possible Cooker will automatically switch to the "keep warm" function, and you can leave it on "keep warm" for 6 hours without any issues.
Quick Tip
You can add the cream and shredded cheese to the soup before slow cooking, but I found the texture to be not as creamy. You run the risk of the cheese and cream splitting, so I recommend adding both after slow cooking for the best results.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Different styles of slow cookers cook differently, and timing may need to be adjusted based on how your slow cooker cooks. I recommend using high slow cook for 2-3 hours or low slow cook for 4-5 hours. Check the broccoli after 60-90 minutes and when it is the texture you like, your cheddar broccoli soup is done and ready to add the cream and cheese.
Finish the Soup and Serve
Once the soup is done slow cooking, add half of the cream to cool the soup down. This will help prevent the cheese from clumping and possibly splitting.
Add 1-2 handfuls of cheese at a time and stir well between each addition. This ensures the cheese can melt completely in the hot soup and create that creamy texture.
You will add a total of 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of the shredded cheddar and save the remaining cheese for garnish.
Add the remaining 2 cups of cheese and stir to combine. Add the rest of the cream to finish off the soup, and you will have a nice creamy soup that everyone will love!
Serve and enjoy!
I hope you made the homemade bread bowls! They go perfectly with this soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Refrigeration
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
Cream-based soups with cheese, like this cheddar broccoli soup, generally don't freeze well for several reasons:
- Dairy Separation: The heavy cream and cheese tend to separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed, which can ruin the smooth, creamy texture that makes this soup special.
- Texture Changes: The broccoli florets may become mushy after freezing and reheating.
Quick Tip
If you want to freeze the soup, don't add the cream or cheese until thawed and ready to serve to avoid issues with texture and separation.
How to Reheat Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Possible Cooker Pro or Slow Cooker
Low slow cook or low sear/sauté are the functions I would choose to reheat the soup. Low heat and frequent stirring is the best way to reheat this soup.
Stovetop
Place soup in a heavy-bottomed pot for even heating, and heat it on low heat while stirring frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
That will depend on your slow cooker, some will cook at high enough temperatures on low slow cook to properly cook the broccoli and some won't.
If cooking on low slow cook, don't add the cream or cheese before slow cooking because they can thicken the base of the soup so much that heat is not transferred as well and the broccoli may not cook properly.
Yes, you can double or cut the ingredients in half to make more or less soup as long as your slow cooker is big enough to accomodate double ingredients.
The cooking time will stay the same.
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works perfectly fine in this recipe, making it even more convenient for busy nights.
More Slow Cooker Soup & Stew Recipes
Soups and chilis are some of my favorite foods to make, and these slow cooker recipes are easy and delicious! Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Cheddar Broccoli Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro OR
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons salted or unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic about 3-4 cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 medium sweet onion about 1 cup diced ¼"
- 12 ounces broccoli florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese about 3 cups shredded, divided in recipe
Optional
- Bread Bowls for Serving
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Instructions
Making the Roux and Soup Base
- Turn the possible cooker on high sear/sauté and let it finish the preheat time. Add the butter and move it around in the pan as it melts. Add the flour and stir to combine. Add the salt and pepper, and the minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the color is a light beige. Add the chicken broth and stir. See recipe notes for instructions if your slow cooker doesn't have a sauté function.4 Tablespoons salted or unsalted butter, 4 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon fine grind sea salt or kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 4 cups chicken broth or stock
Slow Cooking the Soup
- Add the diced onions to the pot (no need to sauté them) and the broccoli florets. Stir and put the lid on the slow cooker or possible cooker pro. Select high slow cook and set the time for 2 hours. Press Start. Please note that your slow cooker may cook differently than the one I used to test the recipe (the Possible Cooker Pro) and you may need to increase or even decrease the time to achieve the perfect texture on the broccoli.1 medium sweet onion, 12 ounces broccoli florets
Finishing the Cheddar Broccoli Soup
- Add half of the cream after the soup has finished slow cooking and stir. This will cool the soup down a bit and prevent the cheese from clumping or splitting. stirring also breaks up the broccoli. Add one handful of cheese at a time and stir it into the soup until it melts. Repeat until you have used 8 ounces of the cheese (about 2 cups). Add the remaining cream and stir.1 cup heavy cream, 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining cheese. Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Heat a small pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Add the butter and move it around in the pan as it melts to avoid burning it.
- Once melted, add the flour and stir to combine.
- Add the salt and pepper and minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes or until the roux is light beige in color.
- Remove immediately from the heat and transfer to the pot of the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth and stir to combine the two.
- Continue with the recipe as written.
Nutrition
About the Recipe Author, Louise Long
Louise is a full-time recipe creator and food blogger @ The Salted Pepper. She has over 30 years of experience with cooking and recipe development. She owned a restaurant for several years and was a full-time RN until retiring to blog full-time.
She published her first cookbook in the Fall of 2018 and is very interested in writing several more.
Louise is also the creator of an online Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooking Course with over 100 instructional step-by-step videos. People absolutely rave about the course and all the value they have received from it.
Louise has several very active Facebook groups that help people with the basics of cooking and learning more about the appliances they love.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 101
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Louise is also a YouTube creator and you can find most of her recipes in video format on The Salted Pepper YouTube channel.
She is very responsive to messages and eager to help in any way she can. Get more Information about Louise & contact information
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Ashley
Can I use bone broth instead? To add more protein?
Louise
Yes, that would be delicious.
Susan
Two questions: can this be made in the ninja foodi pressure cooker on slow cooker high? Can you please tell me the capacity of the ninja foodi possible cooker pro? I am trying to find out if I can double this recipe and slow cook it on high in my ninja foodie 6 1/2 quart pressure cooker.
Louise
Yes, you can cook it in the Ninja Foodi Pressure cooker on high slow cook, but allow for a little more time for the broccoli to soften. The Possible Cooker is 8.5 quarts so I wouldn't double it in the Foodi PC & AC, but you can probably 1 1/2 the ingredients without any issues.