Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

You are going to love my Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe if you love Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar soup.

Cooler weather means more crock pot soup recipes are on the menu more often. This creamy slow cooker broccoli cheddar soup is made with half and half, which gives it a rich, smooth texture and makes it a great recipe to make when you want to use up leftover half and half you already have in the refrigerator.

My daughter loves Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup and she has been pestering me to make it at home for her.

Jump to:

• Crock Pot Soup recipes
• Why this Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Uses Half and Half
• Use Up Leftover Half and Half
• What is a Roux you ask?
• Why make a roux?
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients
• How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Recipe Tips for the Best Creamy Texture
• Helpful Tools
• More creamy soup recipes
• A Great Way To Use Up Leftover Half and Half
• Pin or Print the Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe below
• Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs
• Serving and Final Tips

If you love Panera copycat recipes you might also like to try this Panera Mac & Cheese recipe!

Crock Pot Soup recipes

The crock pot is a wonderful appliance when it comes to making soup.

For most crock pot soup recipes, you can just add all the ingredients to the crock pot and let it simmer all day.

This Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe has a few more steps than your average crock pot soup recipe.

You need to saute the onion in some butter and make a roux for the creamy base.

Those steps only take a few minutes and add so much flavor to this Broccoli Cheddar soup recipe that it is worth the extra effort.

Why this Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Uses Half and Half

Half and half is the perfect dairy to use in crock pot broccoli cheddar soup because it creates a creamy texture without being as heavy as using full cream. Since slow cooker recipes cook for several hours, using half and half helps keep the soup rich and smooth while blending well with the cheese and roux.

It is also a practical ingredient for home cooks because many people already have half and half in the refrigerator for coffee and cooking. This makes this soup a great way to use up leftover half and half instead of letting it go to waste.

Use Up Leftover Half and Half

If you ever find yourself with leftover half and half in the refrigerator, creamy slow cooker soups like this broccoli cheddar soup are one of the easiest ways to use it up. Half and half adds richness without making the soup overly heavy, and it blends beautifully with cheese and a simple roux base.

If you're looking for more ways to cook with it, take a look at my collection of recipes with half and half, where you'll find creamy pasta dishes, comforting soups, and easy dinner ideas. You might also enjoy my homemade Alfredo sauce with half and half, or Crock Pot Mac and Cheese two reader favorites that create a creamy texture without heavy cream.

What is a Roux you ask?

A roux is a thickener made by cooking flour and butter together then adding a dairy product, like milk and cooking until the milk has thickened into a lovely sauce.

This sauce can be used in recipes like this Broccoli Cheddar soup.

Normally when I need a thickener I reach for my trusty friend cornstarch.

Cornstarch is a great thickener that never creates lumps as flour does. Using a roux to thicken cheese soups is a classic technique that results in a smoother texture than cornstarch alone.

That is why I use it to thicken recipes like my Easy Crock Pot Pepper Steak or Crock Pot Chicken A la King recipe.

Why make a roux?

But a roux does so much more than thicken a sauce or soup recipe.

It adds a flavor you can not get when you use cornstarch or plain flour as a thickener.

When the flour and butter are cooked over a medium heat until it browns slightly it develops a rich flavor.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups fresh broccoli florets cut into small bite size pieces
• 8 oz sharp cheddar
• 1 cup julienned carrots
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup diced onion
• 7 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 cups half and half

How to make Broccoli Cheddar Soup

1. Cut the broccoli and carrots and place in the crock pot with the chicken broth.
2. Saute the onion, 2 tablespoons butter and pepper until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cooked onion to the crock pot.
4. On medium heat melt the remaining butter in the pan you cooked the onions in and add the flour.
5. Whisk the flour and butter together. Add the nutmeg and salt to the pan.
6. Whisk for about three minutes until smooth and the mixture starts to turn a light golden color.
7. Add the half and half to the pan with the flour constantly whisking.
8. Cook on medium high until thickened, about 3 minutes.
9. Pour the cream sauce into the crock pot.
10. Add the shredded cheese to the crock pot.
11. Stir well.
12. Place a triple layer of paper towels over the top of the crock pot then place the lid on.
13. Cook on high for one hour.
14. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3 hours.

Recipe Tips for the Best Creamy Texture

For the creamiest texture, add the half and half after the roux has been mixed into the soup and cook on low heat. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy, as high heat can cause separation and or scorching in slow cooker recipes.

Helpful Tools

Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.

 

More creamy soup recipes

Love slow cooker soups? Check out these favorite soup recipes.

A Great Way To Use Up Leftover Half and Half

If you ever find yourself with leftover half and half in the refrigerator, creamy crock pot soups like this broccoli cheddar soup are one of the best ways to use it up. Half and half adds richness and body to the soup without the need for heavy cream, making it a simple pantry friendly option.

Because the half and half is added to thickened base with cheese and roux, it blends smoothly into the soup and helps create that classic creamy texture families love in a homemade slow cooker soup.

Pin or Print the Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe below

Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQs

Serving and Final Tips

This crock pot broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy, comforting recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Using half and half gives the soup a rich, smooth texture while still cooking beautifully in the slow cooker. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple side salad for a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Check out my Crock Pot Soup recipes page.

Head over to my Crock Pot Recipe page for all of my other easy crock pot recipes.