If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious soup that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutritious broccoli and fluffy potatoes, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This recipe delivers a rich blend of flavors and textures that hits just the right spot on chilly days or whenever you need a cozy bowl of goodness. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe, it’ll become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple, with every ingredient playing an essential role to create a soup that’s vibrant, creamy, and full of flavor. From the crunch of fresh broccoli and sweetness of shredded carrots to the velvety texture the cream cheese brings, each component adds its own magic.
- 6 cups broccoli florets (from 2 heads): Provides a fresh, green base loaded with nutrients and texture.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Offers natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 2 oz cream cheese: Gives the soup a luscious creaminess and smooth finish.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses an irresistible aroma and mild pungency.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth and a gentle spice that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Brings all the flavors together by enhancing natural tastes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
- 1/3 cup cornstarch: The perfect thickening agent to give the soup that silky texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid base that melds all ingredients beautifully.
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar is the star cheese for richness and bold flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess while balancing the cheddar’s punch.
How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Vegetables
Start by roughly chopping the broccoli florets to bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly and absorb the soup’s flavors. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot, and then add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic. This layering ensures every vegetable infuses its natural sweetness and aroma into the base.
Step 2: Combine the Liquids and Spices
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. This careful mixing prevents lumps and guarantees the soup thickens perfectly. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and give it a gentle stir to combine everything before cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours, depending on your timing. The goal is to get the broccoli fork-tender without losing its lovely bright green color. For a smoother finish, use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the crockpot—but leave some chunks of broccoli and carrots for texture if you like a bit of bite.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese
Once the veggies are perfectly cooked and blended, reduce the heat to LOW. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring occasionally as it melts into the soup. This step transforms the broth into a rich, cheesy masterpiece, making every spoonful incredibly comforting.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the cheese has melted fully, give the soup one last stir. Ladle it into bowls, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl. This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is as satisfying as it is easy—perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowls with freshly chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, or an extra sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese to add layers of flavor and texture. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of hot sauce can also bring out new dimensions in this creamy soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast for dipping. If you want a lighter complement, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette serves as a crisp contrast to the soup’s richness. For something heartier, consider warm dinner rolls or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for special occasions. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs not only adds color but also enhances the visual appeal, making your bowl irresistible to the eyes before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a dream for next-day meals. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any separated liquids and cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the broccoli and milk-based ingredients might slightly change texture after thawing. Freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the refrigerator overnight to preserve flavor and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching the cheese. You can add a splash of milk if the soup feels too thick. Avoid microwaving directly in plastic containers for best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth makes this soup vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing depth of flavor. Just make sure the broth is low sodium so you can better control seasoning.
Is it possible to make this soup without the crockpot?
Yes! You can make it on the stovetop by simmering the vegetables in broth and then adding cheese and milk towards the end. Just watch the heat carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
Can I add potatoes to this recipe?
While this particular soup focuses on broccoli and cheese, you can easily dice potatoes and add them at the beginning to make it heartier and even more filling. Just extend the cooking time until potatoes are tender.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping when adding it?
Slowly adding cheese while stirring constantly helps it melt smoothly into the soup. Using shredded cheese instead of blocks also improves melting. Ensure the soup isn’t boiling once the cheese is added to keep it from breaking down.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives, and use vegetable broth and non-dairy milk. The flavor and texture will be different but still delicious and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is pure comfort in every spoonful and proves that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or wanting to impress friends with minimal effort, this soup has your back. Give it a try and see how this warm, cheesy delight quickly becomes your go-to recipe for cozy times!
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Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Made with fresh broccoli, shredded carrots, and rich cheddar cheese, this slow-cooked soup combines savory flavors with a velvety texture. The use of a crockpot allows for easy preparation and hands-off cooking, resulting in a hearty soup that’s ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 cups broccoli florets (from 2 heads)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
Dairy and Cheese
Liquids and Broth
Seasonings and Others
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic on top.
- Combine Liquids: In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this liquid mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot, then stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli becomes tender. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some broccoli chunks if you prefer.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Reduce the heat setting on the crockpot to LOW. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and the soup is creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir the soup once more before serving. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy it as a comforting meal any time of day.
Notes
- Use an immersion blender carefully to avoid splashing hot soup. Blend only to desired texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the salt and pepper according to taste, especially if your broth is salted.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in a microwave.
- Optional toppings like crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, or chopped green onions can enhance the soup further.
