Picture this: a chilly evening, a cozy blanket, and the irresistible aroma of rich, cheesy soup bubbling away in your crock pot. Sounds perfect, right? This Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat—it’s that good! Whether you’re serving it as a satisfying dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is always a winner. So, grab your crock pot and let’s dive into the coziest dish ever.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick dinner for the family or a comforting dish to serve friends, this soup fits the bill.
- Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry make this dish both affordable and accessible.
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into your crock pot, and let it work its magic. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
- Packed with Nutrients: Broccoli adds a healthy dose of vitamins, while the potatoes and cheese provide heartiness and flavor.
- Customizable Goodness: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Love it extra cheesy? Add more cheddar! Prefer a lighter soup? Use less cream.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic behind this soul-warming soup. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that irresistible balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness.
Potatoes
Creamy and starchy, they’re the base of this soup, creating that velvety texture we all love.
Broccoli
Fresh or frozen, this veggie brings color, texture, and a boost of nutrients to every spoonful.
Cheddar Cheese
The star of the show! Opt for sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or go milder if that’s your vibe.
Vegetable Broth
Provides a savory foundation that ties everything together.
Heavy Cream
Adds richness and that dreamy, creamy texture.
Onion
A hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic
Because what’s a good soup without a little garlicky goodness?
Butter
Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Flour
For thickening the soup, ensuring it’s perfectly hearty.
Seasonings
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg take the flavors up a notch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and cut the broccoli into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent—this step adds layers of flavor!
Step 3: Load the Crock Pot
Add the potatoes, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crock pot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender, and the broccoli soft.
Step 5: Blend for Creaminess
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your desired consistency. Want it chunkier? Blend only half! Prefer it super smooth? Blend it all.
Step 6: Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the soup cook for an additional 15 minutes on low to melt the cheese and thicken.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and dig in!
How to Serve Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- With Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking into that cheesy goodness.
- As a Starter: Serve in small portions as an appetizer for a cozy dinner party.
- Topped with Crunch: Croutons, crispy bacon, or toasted seeds add texture and flavor.
- Paired with Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich soup beautifully.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze It: Double the batch and freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or crumbled bacon for a heartier version.
- Lighter Option: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Absolutely! Just toss it in—it’ll cook beautifully in the crock pot.
Q2: What’s the best way to thicken the soup?
A2: Use a little flour or cornstarch. If you prefer a gluten-free option, cornstarch is your best bet.
Q3: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A3: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a vegan cheese substitute.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A4: Of course! Carrots or cauliflower would be great additions.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to prevent the cheese from separating.
Q6: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A6: It already is! Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based.
Q7: How can I make this soup spicier?
A7: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for a kick.
Q8: What’s the best cheese to use?
A8: Sharp cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan can add depth.
Q9: Can I skip the blending step?
A9: Sure! If you like a chunkier texture, just leave the veggies as they are.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume
PrintCrock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy and comforting Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is packed with wholesome ingredients and cheesy goodness! Perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress your guests. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese for a flavorful twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Optional: crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
Add the potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, garlic, broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) to your crock pot. - Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and broccoli are tender. - Blend the Soup:
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture or blend it completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer portions of the soup to a countertop blender, then return it to the crock pot. - Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra shredded cheese. Serve warm and enjoy
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by 1/2 cup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water before blending.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor but is optional.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg