Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make soup, this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the answer. With its creamy texture, hearty vegetables, and rich cheddar flavor, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for any time of the year. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in the crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Just toss the ingredients in, let the slow cooker do the work, and come home to a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Hands-Off Cooking

The crockpot does all the work! Simply add the ingredients, set it, and forget it until it’s time to eat.

2. Comfort in a Bowl

This soup is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

3. Rich in Vegetables

Packed with broccoli and carrots, this soup is a delicious way to get your daily servings of veggies in a satisfying and flavorful way.

4. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences—add extra cheese for more richness, or use half-and-half for a creamier base.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prepping and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Broccoli florets
• Chopped onion
• Shredded carrots
• Cream cheese
• Minced garlic
• Nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch
• Chicken broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk

How Much Time Will You Need

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 2-3 hours on HIGH or 6-7 hours on LOW

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Broth Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the chicken broth with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend just part of it or skip this step entirely.

Step 5: Add Milk and Cheese

Reduce the heat to LOW and add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir until the cheese melts completely, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the soup is ready, serve it hot and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Consistency: For a thicker soup, blend more of the broccoli or reduce the amount of milk. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little more milk or chicken broth.
• Cheese Options: If you like extra sharp flavors, feel free to use sharp cheddar or add a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
• Vegan Option: Swap the cream cheese and cheddar for plant-based alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Slow Cooker Size: Make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients—this recipe works best in a 6-quart crockpot.

How to Serve

Serve this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup with a side of crispy bread, croutons, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for dipping and pairing with your favorite crunchy sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk or broth to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a bit of milk or broth to thin it out if it’s become too thick after refrigerating or freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch, but the soup may be thinner. If you want it thicker, consider using a small amount of flour or a thickening agent like arrowroot.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli can be used, but make sure it is thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the soup.

3. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup.

4. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes! Potatoes would be a great addition to this soup, adding extra heartiness. Cube the potatoes and add them along with the other vegetables.

5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.

6. How do I make this soup spicy?

To add some heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños to the soup.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a creamy cream cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.

8. How can I make the soup dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. You can also use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.

9. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, you can use a regular blender. Just allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches, then return it to the crockpot to reheat.

10. How long will this soup keep in the fridge?

This soup will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a true comfort food classic made easy with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this soup will quickly become a favorite. With creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and a savory broth, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening. Plus, the crockpot does all the hard work, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the rich, delicious flavors!

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