Skip the broccoli and let rich, creamy cheddar take center stage. Our Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup is deeply savory, with a velvety texture that dials up the comfort. Thanks to the slow cooker, making this dish is almost effort-free—just set it, forget it, and come back to a show-stopping bowl that stands on its own. Crusty bread or fresh chives can dress it up, but honestly, this soup shines without any extras.
Place stock, onion, carrot, celery, bell pepper, butter, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH until vegetables are tender, about 3 hours.
Whisk Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and 1 cup of the milk into mixture in slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH until cheese is melted and smooth, whisking occasionally, about 30 minutes.
Whisk together cornstarch and remaining ¼ cup milk in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk into soup in slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes.