Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Warm up with this creamy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a simple, comforting recipe perfect for cozy meals any day of the week. This hearty soup blends tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese into a velvety, satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and easy to make in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy day, this soup offers a delicious way to relax and enjoy home-cooked goodness without hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it work its magic, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies, it’s the perfect warm hug in a bowl during cold days.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, this soup makes weeknight dinners easy and enjoyable for everyone.
- Healthy Ingredients: Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, while potatoes provide satisfying fullness to keep hunger away.
- Flexible Add-Ins: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that create a well-balanced flavor and texture in every spoonful. Each component plays a special role, whether to add creaminess, freshness, or that irresistible cheese pull.
- Potatoes: Starchy and tender, these give the soup its thick, comforting base.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli delivers vibrant color and a nutritious punch.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melts beautifully for that classic cheesy flavor.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides depth and a savory backbone to the soup.
- Onion and garlic: Build aromatic layers for a rich taste experience.
- Milk or cream: Adds smoothness and creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Butter: Helps sauté onion and garlic, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Flour: Used to thicken the soup slightly for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
Variations for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
One of the best things about this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is how easily it adapts to your personal taste or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it meat-free without losing flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add cauliflower, carrots, or celery for more texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a warm, subtle heat.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk and vegan cheese to make it suitable for dairy-sensitive eaters.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken to elevate the meal’s protein content.
How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by sautéing diced onion and minced garlic in butter on the stove until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will enhance every bite of your soup.
Step 2: Assembling the Crockpot
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your crockpot, then add peeled and diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, chicken or vegetable broth, milk or cream, and flour. Stir everything gently to combine all the ingredients evenly before cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot on low heat and let the soup cook for about 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes and broccoli are tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once cooked, slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy, tasting to adjust for seasoning. The cheese will melt into the warm soup creating that velvety texture we all crave.
Step 5: Final Touches
For an extra smooth texture, you can carefully blend a portion of the soup or leave it chunky depending on your preference. Garnish as desired and serve warm for ultimate comfort.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Use starchy potatoes: Russets or Yukon gold hold up well and help thicken the soup naturally.
- Add cheese at the end: Avoid cooking cheese too long to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Don’t skip sautéing: Sautéing onions and garlic enhances depth without extra seasoning needed.
- Keep an eye on thickness: If too thick, stir in extra broth or milk before serving.
- Broccoli timing matters: Add broccoli midway if you prefer it with a bit of bite rather than fully soft.
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped chives for added flavor and a delightful presentation that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich soup with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or warm garlic rolls to create a balanced and filling meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls, in colorful bowls with unique toppings, or paired with small grilled cheese sandwiches to turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, add fresh broccoli or cheese after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning and to encourage the cheese to melt evenly. Avoid microwaving on high heat to keep the creamy consistency intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well and can be added at the start of cooking. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid mushiness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch.
Can I use sharp white cheddar instead of yellow cheddar?
Absolutely! Sharp white cheddar offers a slightly different tang but still melts perfectly and keeps the soup delicious.
How do I make the soup creamier?
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or blend some of the soup before adding cheese to give it a silky texture.
Can I add other vegetables to Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Definitely! Cauliflower, carrots, or even peas mix in nicely for more variety and nutrition without overpowering the base flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup to soothe your soul and make your day a little brighter. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully creamy, and endlessly customizable — perfect for anyone who loves a warm, delicious meal without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting classic as much as I do!
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Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Warm up with this creamy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, a simple and comforting slow cooker recipe perfect for cozy meals any day of the week. This hearty soup blends tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese into a velvety dish that is nourishing, family-friendly, and easy to prepare with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour alternative)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and diced starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in butter on the stove until fragrant and translucent. This step builds the aromatic foundation that will enhance every bite of your soup.
- Assembling the Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your crockpot. Add peeled and diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, chicken or vegetable broth, milk or cream, and flour. Stir everything gently to combine all the ingredients evenly before cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Set your crockpot on low heat and cook for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the potatoes and broccoli are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- Add the Cheese: Once cooked, slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The cheese melts into the warm soup creating that velvety texture everyone loves.
- Final Touches: For an extra smooth texture, carefully blend a portion of the soup or leave it chunky based on your preference. Garnish as desired and serve warm for ultimate comfort.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold to help thicken the soup naturally.
- Add cheese at the end to avoid grainy texture from overcooking.
- Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic to enhance flavor depth.
- Adjust soup thickness by stirring in extra broth or milk if needed before serving.
- Add broccoli midway through cooking if you prefer it with a bit of bite instead of fully soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: crockpot soup, potato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, creamy soup, gluten-free soup