Healthy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup: Creamy, Easy & Weight Watchers Friendly

Discover the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly easy to make and surprisingly healthy: our Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup. This recipe redefines convenience, allowing you to simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for chilly days or busy weeknights, this hearty soup is a lighter take on the classic crockpot broccoli cheddar soup, making it a fantastic choice for those following Weight Watchers or anyone looking for a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor.

Imagine coming home to a warm, creamy, and satisfying bowl of soup that practically made itself. This recipe offers just that – a delightful blend of tender broccoli, sweet carrots, and rich cheese, all melded together in a savory broth. It’s the ideal comfort food, especially when the weather turns cold and you crave something nourishing and delicious. Beyond its comforting appeal, this slow cooker method means you won’t heat up your kitchen, making it a versatile dish suitable for any season. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight dinner or a fulfilling lunch on Meatless Monday, this Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup is a smart and satisfying choice for the entire family!

🍒 Reader Reviews

“Easy to make and tastes delicious!!”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hearing from our readers is always a highlight! We love knowing that this recipe brings joy and simplicity to your kitchen. The ease of preparation, combined with its fantastic flavor, makes this slow cooker broccoli cheese soup a consistent favorite.

🥘 Ingredient Notes for a Lighter Broccoli Cheese Soup

Achieving a creamy, indulgent texture without the need for heavy cream, excessive fat, or a high-calorie roux is key to this recipe’s success. Instead, we use a clever combination of low-fat dairy and a simple thickening agent to create a luscious, Weight Watchers friendly broccoli cheddar soup. These thoughtful ingredient choices ensure a rich flavor and satisfying consistency, while keeping it lighter and healthier.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly comforting crockpot soup:

• Milk: We opt for 1% milk to maintain a light and healthy profile. While you could use 2% or whole milk for a slightly richer soup, 1% milk delivers excellent flavor and creaminess without the added fat, making it ideal for a Weight Watchers friendly option.
• Cream Cheese: Low-fat cream cheese is our secret weapon for achieving that luxurious, smooth texture and rich flavor. It melts beautifully into the soup, adding body and tanginess without the extra calories found in full-fat varieties. It’s a fantastic way to keep this soup both delicious and Weight Watchers compliant.
• Cheddar Cheese: We recommend using low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Sharp cheddar offers a more pronounced cheesy flavor, meaning you can use slightly less while still getting that satisfying taste. Shredding your own cheese from a block is highly recommended, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture and melt quality, potentially leading to a grainy result.
• Cornstarch: A simple cornstarch and cold water slurry is the perfect gluten-free thickener for this soup. Unlike a traditional roux (flour and butter), cornstarch provides a silky-smooth consistency with significantly fewer calories and less fat, allowing the natural flavors of the broccoli and cheese to shine through.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferred for their vibrant color and crisp texture when cooked. However, frozen broccoli florets also work wonderfully and can be a convenient substitute.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatic staples form the flavorful base of the soup, adding depth and warmth. Finely minced garlic and chopped onion infuse the broth with essential savory notes.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of natural sweetness, a pop of color, and extra vitamins, complementing the broccoli perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is used to control the overall salt content while providing a rich, savory foundation for the soup. For a vegetarian version, simply swap this out for vegetable broth.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is always to taste. Start with a moderate amount and adjust at the end to suit your preference.

📖 Variations & Substitutions to Customize Your Soup

This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your dietary needs or personal preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple variations:

• Lactose-Free: For those with lactose sensitivities, simply swap out the dairy products. Use a high-quality lactose-free milk, cheese, and cream cheese. Many brands offer excellent lactose-free alternatives that will perform just as well in this recipe, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bowl.
• Vegetarian: To make this soup completely vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of good quality vegetable broth. The rich flavors of the vegetables and cheese will still create a wonderfully satisfying meatless meal.
• Cream Cheese Options: Feel free to use regular, fat-free, or low-fat cream cheese depending on your dietary goals and taste preferences. Each will contribute slightly differently to the richness and texture, but all will work effectively for creaminess.
• Milk Choices: While 1% milk is recommended for a lighter soup, you can absolutely use 2% or whole milk if you prefer a richer, more decadent consistency. The higher fat content will yield an even creamier result.
• Cheddar Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheddar. Instead of low-fat sharp cheddar, you can use regular cheddar cheese, or opt for a medium cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor. Just ensure it’s a block cheese you can shred yourself for the best melt.
• Add a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika. You can also increase the amount of paprika for a warmer, smokier flavor. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Broccoli Versatility: This recipe is flexible with broccoli forms. Use fresh broccoli with the stems trimmed and chopped into florets, pre-cut broccoli florets for convenience, or even frozen broccoli. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand; simply add it directly to the slow cooker.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or even a handful of spinach at the end for extra nutrition and flavor.

🔪 How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup

One of the best features of this Weight Watchers friendly broccoli cheddar soup is its minimal fuss. I designed this recipe specifically to avoid any “pre-cooking” steps often found in slow cooker meals. This means truly a “dump and go” experience, requiring only a few minutes of simple preparation before your slow cooker takes over. You’ll be amazed at how easily this delicious and healthy soup comes together!

Begin by adding the chopped broccoli, diced onion, shredded carrots, minced garlic, low-fat cream cheese, chicken stock, 1% milk, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker pot. Stir everything gently to combine. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and cook for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender. Remember: Do not add the cheddar cheese, cornstarch, or water at this stage. These will be added later to ensure the best texture and melt.

While the soup is nearing the end of its cooking time on low, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, whisking vigorously until a smooth, thick paste forms. This paste is crucial for thickening the soup later and preventing lumps.

Once the vegetables are tender (after 4-6 hours on LOW), turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH. Immediately add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring it in gradually until it begins to melt smoothly into the hot soup. Then, slowly pour in the prepared cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to ensure it incorporates evenly and no lumps form.

Allow the soup to cook on HIGH for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness. The cornstarch needs time to activate and thicken the liquid. If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking after this time, you can prepare a small amount of additional cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it in, cooking for another 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if preferred.

Hint: For an extra layer of savory flavor and cheesy goodness, stir in a spoonful of low-fat (or fat-free) Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, just before serving. It adds a wonderful umami depth.

Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Broccoli Cheese Soup

Follow these expert tips to ensure your slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is perfectly creamy, flavorful, and free of common pitfalls:

• Cut Broccoli Evenly: Chopping your broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces is essential. This ensures that all the broccoli cooks evenly in the slow cooker, resulting in tender florets throughout the soup without any hard or mushy bits.
• Add Cheese Slowly: To achieve a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce, always add the shredded cheese gradually. Stir it into the hot soup one handful at a time, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. This gentle process prevents the cheese from clumping or seizing.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: This tip is a game-changer for soup texture! Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose or other anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, sometimes leading to a grainy or gritty soup. For the creamiest, silkiest consistency, always shred a block of high-quality cheddar cheese yourself.
• Adjust Thickness Gradually: When adding the cornstarch slurry, start with the recommended amount. Give the soup ample time (15-30 minutes) to thicken on high heat. If it’s still not as thick as you prefer, prepare a small additional slurry (e.g., 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water) and stir it in, allowing another 10-15 minutes to cook and thicken. Patience is key!
• Don’t Overcook Dairy: While slow cookers are generally forgiving, prolonged high-heat cooking after adding the dairy (milk, cream cheese, cheddar) can sometimes cause separation or affect the texture. Once the soup has thickened to your liking, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting if you’re not serving immediately.
• Brighten the Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a tiny pinch of freshly grated nutmeg at the very end of cooking can elevate and brighten the cheesy, creamy flavors of the soup. These subtle additions enhance the overall taste without adding extra salt or calories.
• Keep it Creamy After Freezing: If you plan to freeze portions of this soup, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate slightly upon reheating. To restore its creamy texture, stir the soup vigorously after reheating, and if needed, whisk in a small splash of milk or even a tiny bit of additional low-fat cream cheese until it regains its desired consistency.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Soup

The star of this incredibly easy crockpot broccoli cheese soup is, of course, the slow cooker itself. You will need a slow cooker (affiliate link) – a 6-quart model, like my economical Hamilton Beach, works perfectly for this recipe. A 6-quart capacity is ideal for feeding a family or for meal prepping, allowing enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.

One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity; you don’t need any fancy gadgets. Unlike many other creamy soups, an immersion blender or food processor is entirely optional. While you could use one to achieve an ultra-smooth, pureed consistency, it’s genuinely not necessary for this soup. The broccoli and carrots soften beautifully in the slow cooker, creating a naturally textured and satisfying experience without extra blending.

🌡️ Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup for days to come. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the soup has cooled completely before transferring it to the container to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

For longer storage, this soup freezes exceptionally well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, to prevent the dairy from separating. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every minute until heated through. If the soup appears slightly separated after reheating, a quick whisk or the addition of a small splash of milk can help restore its creamy consistency.

👪 Serving Size and Adjustments

This easy slow cooker recipe is designed to yield 4 generous servings, with each serving being approximately 1.5 cups of delicious, creamy soup. This makes it perfect for a family meal or for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.

We understand that life happens, and you might need more or less than 4 servings. That’s why this recipe is incredibly flexible! You can effortlessly half, double, or even triple the recipe to suit your needs. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, taking the guesswork out of scaling the recipe. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a crowd, this soup can be easily adapted.

🔢 Weight Watchers Points Information

One of the standout features of this creamy, cheesy soup is its Weight Watchers friendliness! Each satisfying serving (which is about ¼ of the entire pot, roughly 1.5 cups) clocks in at just 7 WW points. This makes it an excellent choice for a wholesome and filling meal that aligns with your dietary goals.

For those looking to shave off even more points, you can further reduce the WW points in this crockpot broccoli cheddar soup by opting for fat-free cream cheese. However, a word of caution: I generally do not recommend using fat-free cheddar cheese in this recipe. Fat-free cheese often contains different melting properties and can result in a less smooth, sometimes grainy texture that doesn’t fully incorporate into the soup, diminishing the creamy experience we aim for. Sticking with low-fat sharp cheddar cheese provides the best balance of flavor, texture, and point value.

This Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup is also fantastic served in a delicious bread bowl, just like our Panzanella Pasta Soup (see directions for how to make bread bowls here) for an extra special and hearty meal!

🥗 What to Serve with Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

This comforting slow cooker broccoli cheese soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to create a complete and balanced dining experience. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Breadsticks: Nothing complements a creamy soup quite like a warm, crusty piece of bread for dipping. Our Everything Bagel Cloud Bread Recipe is a fantastic low WW point option, offering a fluffy texture and savory flavor. For a more indulgent touch, these Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks are perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Fresh Salad: To add a refreshing contrast and a boost of greens, serve your soup alongside a crisp salad. This Spinach Strawberry Pecan Salad offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory, balancing the richness of the soup.
• Hearty Sandwich or Panini: For a more substantial meal, a sandwich makes an excellent companion. Our Weight Watchers friendly Turkey Reuben Panini (shown below!) is a flavorful and satisfying choice that won’t undo your healthy eating efforts. The warm, pressed bread and savory fillings create a wonderful textural and flavor contrast with the creamy soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of simple roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or even additional broccoli can add extra nutrients and a lovely char flavor.

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