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Cream of broccoli cheddar soup in a bowl with a spoon and rolls in the background.

Slow Cooker Cream of Broccoli and Ham Soup

Melissa Norris
If you love my chicken broccoli casserole recipe, you have to make this cream of broccoli soup. This easy Crock Pot method allows you to walk away and get more done in your day. Once it’s finished, serve with a slice of homemade artisan bread and a garnish of cheddar cheese—I warn you, you’ll probably have seconds!
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 218 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Measuring Utensils
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 2 cups Bone Broth
  • 2 cups Ham diced
  • 3 cups Broccoli chopped
  • 1/4 cup Onion minced
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, or queso fresco
  • 1 cup Cream
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prep your ingredients by chopping the broccoli, dicing the ham and onion, and grating the cheese.
  • Whisk together the broth and cornstarch until smooth.
  • Add the cornstarch and broth mixture to the slow cooker. 
  • Add all the rest of the ingredients except the cheese and cream.
  • Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Pro-Tip: You’re looking for a gentle simmer. If the mixture is boiling hard, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid for a few minutes.
  • Just before serving, pour in the cream and cheese and stir until melted and combined. 
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for the Best Cream of Broccoli Soup
As mentioned before, my cream of broccoli soup recipe has been revised over the years. With each upgrade, I’ve learned a few tips for making the best creamy broccoli soup.
  • Choosing Your Broccoli – Choose fresh, bright green broccoli with firm stalks and tight florets. When choosing quality broccoli, you can use all of it, not just the broccoli florets. The slow-cooking method makes the broccoli stalks tender and delicious.
  • Thickening Thin Soup – If your soup seems too thin, thicken it with a quick roux (two tablespoons of butter and all-purpose flour.) Whisk your roux in a separate pot, and whisk small amounts into your soup until you have reached the desired thickness. 
  • Thinning Thick Soup – Conversely, if your soup is too thick, simply thin with warm broth or milk gradually until smooth. Stir slowly to avoid lumps.
  • Texture – If you prefer a bisque-like texture, wait until the end to add the ham. At step 5, use an immersion blender to pureé smooth, and then add ham and heat through before serving.
  • Bitter Taste – Overripe broccoli can cause bitterness. Stir in a teaspoon of honey or sugar to balance the flavor.
Storing and Reheating Cream of Broccoli Soup
Allow any leftover cream of broccoli soup to cool completely before putting it in an airtight container. You all know I love my Mason jars! Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for up to four days.
If you want to freeze cream of broccoli soup, allow it to cool after step 4. Portion the soup into shallow, airtight, freezer-proof containers and freeze for 2-3 months (remember to label and date your containers).
To reheat from frozen, thaw soup overnight in the fridge and gently reheat over low heat. Resume steps 5-6 above, and serve. To reheat from the refrigerator, gently reheat over low heat until warmed through.
  • Casserole – Mix soup with rice, chicken, and veggies. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
  • Pasta Toss – Warm soup and toss with al dente pasta. Top with Parmesan and chives.
  • Baked Potato Topping – Drizzle reheated soup over a baked potato with crumbled bacon.
  • Risotto Upgrade – Substitute chicken broth with this soup when cooking risotto for extra creaminess and flavor.
  • Open-Faced Sandwiches – Spread soup on toast, add cheese, and broil until melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 218kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 12gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 201mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 628IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 111mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword cream of broccoli and cheddar soup, cream of broccoli soup, slow cooker cream of broccoli soup
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