CROCKPOT POTATO BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP

 

There’s something magical about a warm, creamy bowl of soup, especially when it’s homemade and packed with rich, cheesy goodness. This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the hard work! Imagine coming home to a house filled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. It’s thick, creamy, and loaded with chunky veggies, making it a meal on its own. Plus, with simple ingredients and an effortless cooking process, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy soup without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, grab your crockpot and let’s dive into making this heavenly bowl of creamy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything into your crockpot and let it do the work.
• Thick & Creamy: The combination of potatoes, cheddar, and cream creates a luxuriously rich texture.
• Loaded with Veggies: Packed with Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh broccoli, carrots, and celery.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this cheesy delight.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Croutons for a crispy touch

Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients

Before we start cooking, take a few minutes to prep all your ingredients.

• Peel & Dice the Potatoes – Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy, making them perfect for this soup. Cut them into small, even cubes so they cook evenly.
• Chop the Veggies – Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small pieces. These aromatics will add depth of flavor.
• Mince the Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the soup an amazing kick.
• Grate the Cheese – Always use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

Once everything is chopped and ready, it’s time to assemble the soup in your crockpot!

Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot

Now, let’s start building the flavor!

• Add the Potatoes & Veggies – Place the cubed potatoes, diced onion, carrots, and celery into the crockpot.
• Season It Up – Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
• Pour in the Broth – Add enough chicken broth to just cover the vegetables.

Pro Tip: If you want a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth!

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Now, let your crockpot work its magic!

• Set to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours – This allows the potatoes to become perfectly fork-tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.

While the soup is cooking, take a moment to relax, binge-watch your favorite show, or prep some crunchy croutons for later.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli at the Right Time

One of the biggest mistakes people make when adding broccoli to soups is putting it in too early. Overcooked broccoli can turn mushy and lose its vibrant green color. To keep the broccoli fresh and slightly crisp, we’ll add it during the last hour of cooking.

How to Add the Broccoli Properly:

• Chop the Broccoli into Small Florets – This ensures they cook evenly and blend well with the soup’s texture.
• Stir it In – During the last hour of cooking, add the chopped broccoli to the crockpot.
• Cover and Continue Cooking – Let the broccoli soften slightly while still keeping a nice bite.

Pro Tip: If you love extra-tender broccoli, you can steam it separately and stir it in at the very end.

Step 5: Add the Heavy Cream for Ultimate Creaminess

Now that the broccoli has had time to cook, it’s time to add that luxuriously smooth texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.

• Pour in 2 Cups of Heavy Cream – This instantly turns the soup thicker, richer, and silkier.
• Stir Gently – Incorporate the cream slowly to prevent curdling.
• Let it Warm Through – Give it another 10-15 minutes to blend with the soup.

If you want a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk—but keep in mind that the soup won’t be quite as thick.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese Like a Pro

Now for the best part—cheddar cheese! This is what gives our soup that bold, cheesy flavor and dreamy, gooey texture.

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly because it contains anti-caking agents.
• Add the Cheese in Small Batches – Stir in 1 cup at a time, allowing each batch to melt completely before adding more.
• Keep Stirring! – This ensures the cheese melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.

Cheese Tip: For an extra punch of flavor, try using a mix of sharp cheddar and gouda!

Step 7: Adjust the Seasoning & Serve

At this point, your soup should be thick, creamy, and packed with flavor. But before serving, let’s do one final check.

• Taste & Adjust – Add more salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
• Optional Enhancements: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Garnish to Perfection – Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, and crunchy croutons.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is ready, let’s talk about the best ways to enjoy it!

• With Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dunking.
• With Crispy Turkey Bacon: Crumble some turkey bacon on top for a smoky twist.
• With a Fresh Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking instead of the final hour. Frozen broccoli softens much faster than fresh.

2. How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Simple! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You’ll still get the same rich and creamy texture without losing flavor.

3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you double-check your broth and cheese for any added gluten-containing ingredients.

4. My soup turned out too thick—how can I fix it?

If your soup is thicker than you’d like, just add a little more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

Technically, yes, but be aware that soups with dairy (like heavy cream and cheese) can separate when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cheese and cream, and then mix those in fresh when you reheat it.

6. How long does this soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this soup will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

7. How do I reheat this soup without it separating?

Reheat your soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

If you have leftovers (which I highly doubt because this soup is SO good!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze (with caution!): If freezing, do so before adding the cream and cheese. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the dairy.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Heat gently over low-medium heat, stirring frequently to maintain a creamy texture.
• Reheat in Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Bowl of Comfort

There’s just something so warm, hearty, and nostalgic about a bowl of homemade Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with comforting flavors, making it perfect for chilly evenings, meal prepping, or just treating yourself to a cozy bowl of goodness.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this crockpot recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your bowl, add an extra sprinkle of cheddar, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

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