Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe Ever

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Soft potatoes blend seamlessly with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious texture.

Hearty ingredients simmer together, infusing every spoonful with rich, creamy goodness.

broccoli adds unexpected brightness and nutritional punch to this classic comfort dish.

My grandmother’s secret was letting ingredients meld slowly, developing complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple cooking techniques transform humble vegetables into an extraordinary meal everyone will crave.

We bet you can’t wait to ladle this delightful soup into your favorite bowl and savor each incredible bite.

Cozy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Must-Haves

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a hearty soup with minimal hands-on cooking.
  • Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Combine vegetables, protein-rich broth, and creamy cheese for a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend cheesy richness with tender potatoes and fresh broccoli, making this soup a guaranteed hit for family dinners and gatherings.
  • Flexible Cooking Options: Adapt the recipe by using different cheese varieties or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients to Grab for Broccoli Soup

Base Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that provides creamy texture and substance to the soup.
  • Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds depth of flavor to the soup base.
  • Carrots: Sweet vegetable that contributes natural sweetness and color.
  • Celery: Provides subtle herbal undertones and additional vegetable complexity.
  • Garlic: Adds robust and pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and bright color to the soup.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that provides subtle aromatic undertones.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor that complements fresh garlic.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients that create a luxurious, creamy texture and provide a sharp, tangy flavor.
Additional Optional Garnishes:
  • Chives, Croutons: Complementary toppings that add extra texture and visual appeal.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that provides the foundational cooking liquid for the soup.

How to Make This Crockpot Broccoli Soup

Step 1: Chop and Combine Vegetables

In your crockpot, toss in these chopped ingredients:
  • Potatoes
  • Onion
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Garlic

Sprinkle in dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Pour in Broth

Cover the vegetables completely with chicken broth, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Base

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes become soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Stir fresh broccoli florets into the soup during the last hour of cooking to maintain their bright green color and crisp texture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

In the final 30 minutes, pour in heavy cream and gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring between each addition to create a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve piping hot and optionally top with extra cheese, chopped chives, and crunchy croutons.

Solid Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Success

  • Add broccoli during the last hour of cooking to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
  • Gradually add shredded cheddar and stir between additions to create a smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
  • Use fresh garlic and dried thyme for a more robust and aromatic soup base that elevates the overall taste.
  • Adjust broth amount to control soup thickness – less broth for a thicker soup, more for a lighter texture.
  • Prepare vegetables the night before and store in the crockpot liner to save morning prep time and speed up cooking.

Switch-Ups for Potato Broccoli Soup

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based cheddar cheese for a meat-free option.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Modification: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets and reduce cooking time to maintain a similar consistency while cutting carbohydrates.
  • Protein-Packed Boost: Add cooked chicken, bacon bits, or diced ham during the last hour of cooking to increase protein content and enhance flavor.

Pairings That Suit Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Slice a warm, hearty artisan bread to soak up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and complementing the rich flavors.

Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with bright acidity to cut through the soup’s richness and refresh the palate.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup’s creamy heaviness and provide a refreshing contrast.

Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for an extra layer of smoky flavor that perfectly complements the cheese and potato base.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup Storage Basics

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if cream is added, as it may separate.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli and other vegetables. Just add them directly to the crockpot and adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen vegetables might take a bit longer to heat through.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but check your chicken broth and cheese labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present. For extra thickness, you can use cornstarch instead of flour.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a plant-based cheese alternative. The core recipe remains the same, and you’ll still get a delicious, creamy soup.

  • How can I make the soup less rich?

Replace half the heavy cream with milk, or use half-and-half instead. This will reduce the fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.

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Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty “Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup” delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy potatoes with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli. Slow-cooked simplicity makes this soup a delightful winter companion you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream

Vegetables:

  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 4 cloves garlic

Seasonings and Garnishes:

  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked pepper
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped chives or green onions
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Combine diced potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot, creating a flavor-packed vegetable base.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely submerged for thorough cooking.
  3. Set crockpot to LOW and cook for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, allowing vegetables to become tender and develop deep, rich flavors.
  4. During the final hour of cooking, gently fold in broccoli florets to maintain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
  5. In the last 30 minutes, slowly incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent separation.
  6. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing between additions to create a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
  7. Carefully taste the soup and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, freshly chopped chives, and crunchy croutons for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Add broccoli later in the cooking process to maintain its bright green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and dull.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile, and grate it fresh for smoother melting and better overall taste.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease calories without sacrificing richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (in High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 375 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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