Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (2024)

This cheesy soup tastes amazing and is full of healthy ingredients!

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (1)

Broccoli cheddar soup ranks high on our list of favorite comfort foods. With each bowl chock-full of rich and creamy goodness, the soup is simply irresistible. Problem is, most recipes don’t go too easy on the waistline. Many conventional recipes call for high-fat ingredients like butter and cream. Likewise, store-bought versions usually carry a boatload of preservatives and sodium. Well lucky for you, here at Skinny Ms. we’ve brought you a full-flavored, lightened up version of the real thing. Our Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is nothing short of 100% decadence, and better yet, it won’t sabotage your waistline!

A Slimmer Version of the Savory Classic

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (2)

The main focus of all of our recipes is to cook with whole foods, and this one is no different. Our lightened-up broccoli cheddar soup features fresh broccoli and other “real” ingredients. This differs from the to-go packages or canned soups you’d find in grocery stores.

Our revamped soup packs in all of that cheesy flavor you dream about, without weighing you down with fat and calories. Nothing beats curling up with a big bowl of this belly-warming soup. Plus, knowing that it contains nothing but quality ingredients only makes things better.

The Magical Wonders of the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (3)

You’ll need a slow cooker for this recipe, and we must admit that this awesome appliance is a real game-changer. Slow cookers use long, low-temperature cooking, ultimately bringing out the richest version of each ingredient’s flavor. Not to mention, many cooking methods destroy the nutrients in ingredients due to rapid cooking on high heat, but using a slow cooker actually preserves them! Lower cooking temperatures and a more gradual heating process helps maintain all those feel-good vitamins and minerals your body wants!

The Stars of This Scrumptious Soup

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (5)

Our clean-eating recipe proves that healthy soups can still taste irresistibly indulgent if they contain fresh ingredients, free of preservatives. Of course this recipe spotlights broccoli. It recommends using an entire pound of frozen broccoli, thawed and chopped.

One of the world’s healthiest superfoods plays such a big role in this recipe. That said, our savory soup certainly delivers a bunch of feel-good health benefits. We could honestly go on and on about the health powers of broccoli, but for time’s sake, we’ll just comment briefly on its nutrient-rich profile.

The nutrient-powerhouse is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and bioactive compounds. It contains potent antioxidants to boost immunity and fight off disease. Meanwhile, its bioactive compounds can reduce inflammation and defend your body against cancer. If that’s not a reason to savor each and every delicious bite of this soup, we don’t know what is!

Related: 12 Ways to Prepare Broccoli

Next, our recipe calls for whole-wheat flour, just a few tablespoons. Nutrition-wise, this ingredient beats regular flour because it contains four-times more fiber than all-purpose flour. Meanwhile, it packs in more potassium, zinc, and magnesium than its counterpart.

Our recipe subs low-fat milk, organic preferred, in for regular milk. With its lower fat content, this alternative shaves off a chunk of calories while still creating that creamy consistency. Our savory slow cooker soup calls for a few more clean-eating ingredients you can feel good about. These include olive oil, chicken or vegetable broth, and of course, shredded cheese.

Your Waistline Will Thank You!

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All in all, our healthy broccoli cheddar soup delivers all of the mouthwatering goodness you crave, but its lighter ingredient list and leaner nutritional profile wont wreck your diet or health goals! This yummy recipe makes a wonderful lunch, or a filling main course for dinner. If you want a healthier version of a classic favorite, look no further than this cozy, comforting soup!

4 from 33 votes

Best Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This healthy spin on an all time classic will provide you with all of the cheesy flavor you love, minus the extra fat and calories!

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Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 6 hours hours

Total Time 6 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Yield 6 people

Serving Size 1 cup

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (7)

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 3 tablespoons whole wheat flour or white whole wheat
  • 1 cup low-fat milk organic preferred
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
  • 1 pound broccoli frozen, thawed and chopped
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded, skim not recommended for this recipe, please buy the block and shred yourself to avoid waxes
  • 1 garlic clove minced

Instructions

  • In a frying pan, heat your oil, but don't let it get so hot it smokes. Using a whisk, whisk in the flour a little at a time so that the flour and oil mix well and start to bubble, and become golden in color and fragrant.

  • Slowly pour in the milk in a steady slow stream, whisking the whole time until a cream is formed. Follow with the chicken or vegetable broth until fully incorporated and then remove from heat.

  • Pour the mixture into your slow cooker and add the thawed broccoli. We use the frozen broccoli because it seems to hold up better in a slow cooker than the fresh variety. But you can certainly use fresh broccoli florets as well. Add salt to taste, black pepper and garlic, stir to combine.

  • Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the broccoli is completely cooked. Stir in the cheese, 1 cup at a time, allowing it to melt completely before adding the next cup of cheese.

  • Puree the soup in the blender in batches, filling halfway each time. A hand blender (immersion blender) will also work. Be sure to scrape any of the remaining cheese from the bottom of the slow cooker into the soup to blend well. Blend as little or as much as you like until desired consistency is achieved, i.e. some prefer a smoother and some prefer a chunkier soup.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 445mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g |

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 12

Keywords Slow Cooker

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If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to check out these 15 Cozy Soup Recipes for Fall!

And for more fantastic slow cooker recipes, make sure to check out this list of slow-cooker dishes: 15 Spring Slow Cooker Favorites!

Be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest for tasty recipes, clean eating tips, and healthy lifestyle resources.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 3, 2012.

Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup (2024)

FAQs

Is broccoli cheddar soup good or bad for you? ›

Is broccoli soup good for you? Most of the time, broccoli cheese soup isn't the healthiest option since it has lots of cheese and heavy cream. This version is lightened up with evaporated skim milk and less cheese. It also uses extra vegetables that are blended to create some of the creaminess in the soup.

Why isn t my cheese melting in my broccoli cheddar soup? ›

Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting into a lusciously creamy soup. To ensure that your broccoli cheddar soup has the best smooth and creamy texture, buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself.

Why does my broccoli cheddar soup taste gritty? ›

The temperature you cook Broccoli Cheese Soup at is key to making sure it doesn't end up grainy or curdled. Medium heat is best for dairy-based soups so it doesn't boil and curdle.

Why is my cheese clumping in broccoli cheddar soup? ›

If heated too high, you risk clumping and if too low, not melting properly. With soup, you might be able to fix it with an immersion blender, or you might not. At a temperature of 150 or so, the protein bonds in the cheese break down and as a result, too much fo the moisture escapes too quickly.

What is the unhealthiest soup? ›

The 12 Unhealthiest Canned Soups
  • Campbell's Homestyle New England Clam Chowder.
  • Progresso Three Cheese Tortellini. ...
  • Gardein Plant Based Minestrone & Saus'ge. ...
  • Chunky Spicy Chicken Quesadilla. ...
  • Amazon Fresh Chicken Noodle. ...
  • Gardein Plant Based Saus'ge Gumbo. ...
  • Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder Flavored with Bacon. ...
Feb 5, 2024

Is Panera broccoli cheddar soup unhealthy? ›

Nutrition & Allergens

Sodium Warning: Indicates that the sodium (salt) content of this item is higher than the total daily recommended limit (2,300 mg). High sodium intake can increase blood pressure and risk of heart disease and stroke.

What kind of cheese melts best in soup? ›

Mild cheddar, Colby, Monterey jack, mozzarella, Swiss and queso blanco can all work well. “The best cheeses to melt into soups are cheeses that are higher in moisture and have a lower melting point,” says Bauer. In addition to cheddar and Monterey jack, he recommends Fontina and Gruyère.

Can you use pre shredded cheese in soup? ›

Will cheddar cheese melt in soup? Cheddar will definitely melt here — but you'll want to start with block cheese for this cheddar potato soup. Pre-shredded cheese, though convenient, is coated with an anti-clumping agent that interferes with the cheese's ability to melt smoothly and evenly.

Why do you avoid simmering your soup after adding the cheese? ›

Cheese can curdle when added to soup due to the high temperatures and acidity in the soup. The proteins in cheese are sensitive to heat and acid, causing them to separate and form curds.

Why does broccoli cheddar soup make my stomach hurt? ›

Broccoli also can be the culprit behind a slew of stomach-related symptoms. Not only does the veggie — or more specifically, the intestinal bacteria that breaks the fibrous content down — cause gas, but that gas can actually be painful, too. Because the gas expands the intestines, its lining and walls become stretched.

What cheese doesn't melt in soup? ›

The key is to make sure you use a cheese that melts well. Ones to avoid are Parmesan and Pecorino (any hard, aged cheeses), goat and feta (any dry, crumbly cheeses) as they don't melt well.

What is in Panera broccoli cheddar soup? ›

Milk, Chicken Stock (Chicken Base [Chicken Meat Including Chicken Juices, Salt, Chicken Fat, Yeast Extract, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Potato Flour, Carrot Powder, Turmeric]), Water, Broccoli, Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Whey, Whey Protein ...

How can I thicken my broccoli cheddar soup? ›

HOW CAN YOU MAKE BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP THICKER?
  1. You can mix equal parts butter and flour to form a thick paste, then stir that into the soup.
  2. You can whisk some cornstarch into cold water or broth until the cornstarch is dissolved, and stir that into the soup.
  3. You can add a bit more cheese.
Feb 6, 2019

How do you keep broccoli cheddar soup from breaking? ›

The common solution is to use a flour-based roux. Flour can thicken up the water phase of the soup, which in turn makes it difficult for fat globules to coalesce. Just like in a creamy Mornay sauce, the cheese can't separate.

How to add cheese to soup without curdling? ›

Don't add the cheese all at once or you risk clumping. Sprinkle the cheese in, stir and when it's almost melted, sprinkle in more. A sure-fire way to prevent cheese from clumping is to toss it with some cornstarch before adding to the soup.

What does broccoli soup do to your body? ›

Salads and soups with broccoli are a delight to many diners. Broccoli is one of the richest sources of good carbohydrates which aid digestion maintaining low blood sugar. And because it has the right amount of fibrous roughage it also helps in preventing constipation.

What are the health benefits of broccoli soup? ›

The antioxidants in broccoli are linked to lower levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, chronic diseases and cell damage in your eyes. Support for a Healthy Heart. Broccoli has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, heart disease, and heart tissue damage. Good for Your Digestive System.

Does broccoli cheddar soup have a lot of calories? ›

Broccoli cheddar soup calories may vary depending on what was added to it. Most of them will fall between 175 calories to 450 calories per serving/bowl. Our healthy broccoli cheddar soup recipe has about 197 calories per serving.

Why is broccoli soup good for you? ›

From the flavor, to the texture, the simple ingredients, to the nutrients packed in- it's all on point! This ultra creamy, super green broccoli soup is a powerful meal. Broccoli is a cruciferous veggie may help prevent cancer and chronic diseases, and it also has specific compounds that support hormonal health.

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