This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience. Packed with tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and hearty potatoes, this soup is a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to enjoy a rich and velvety soup with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a comforting dinner after a busy workday, this recipe delivers every time.

With a blend of fresh vegetables, creamy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese, this soup is full of flavor. The addition of nutmeg and garlic gives it a hint of warmth, while the cornstarch helps thicken the broth to a satisfying consistency. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a dish to serve when you have guests over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a great recipe for anyone who loves a warm, hearty soup with a smooth texture. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple to make and requires minimal prep, thanks to the slow cooker. The combination of cheddar cheese and cream cheese creates a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the tender broccoli and shredded carrots. It’s a comforting, flavorful soup that’s perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. Plus, you can customize the texture by blending it to your preferred smoothness, making it versatile for everyone’s taste.

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

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Add Potatoes: For a more substantial soup, add diced potatoes to the crockpot along with the other vegetables.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, cheese, and milk alternatives to make the soup dairy-free.

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.

Step 2: Make the Broth Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup. If you prefer a chunkier soup, only blend part of the soup and leave some broccoli pieces intact.

Step 4: Add the Dairy

Reduce the heat to LOW, then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy the rich and creamy goodness of your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For a Smoother Texture: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup to your desired smoothness. Be sure to blend carefully if you want to leave some chunks.
Consistency: If the soup is too thick after blending, simply add a little more milk or chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika or a dash of garlic powder to the broth mixture.
Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

This soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but it’s also perfect when paired with a warm, crusty bread roll, a side salad, or even some homemade garlic bread. For a more filling meal, serve it with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches or a light green salad. The rich and creamy texture of the soup makes it an ideal main course for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little more milk or broth if needed.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add more broth or milk to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Make sure to thaw it before adding it to the crockpot.

2. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra texture and heartiness. Just add them along with the other vegetables.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cream cheese, milk, and cheese with dairy-free alternatives to make the soup dairy-free.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add some heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

5. How do I store leftover soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

6. How long does this soup take to cook?

The soup cooks on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of this soup.

8. Can I blend the soup to make it smoother?

Yes, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a smooth consistency. Alternatively, use a regular blender, blending the soup in batches.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can try using different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.

10. How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is done when the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted completely, typically after 2-3 hours on HIGH or 6-7 hours on LOW.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect comfort food, offering rich, creamy flavor with minimal effort. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can make this hearty soup that’s perfect for busy days or chilly nights. The combination of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and tender vegetables makes it a satisfying meal for the whole family. Whether you serve it with a side of bread or enjoy it on its own, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.