Description
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for cozy meals. Loaded with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese, it’s effortlessly made in a slow cooker for a hands-off recipe that simmers to perfection. Ideal for chilly days, this soup can be customized with toppings like croutons, green onions, or bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Toppings
- Croutons
- Chopped green onions
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything gently to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook times will vary slightly based on your crockpot; the soup is done when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup; for a smoother soup, blend fully.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the soup reaches a creamy, smooth texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese and your choice of optional toppings like croutons, chopped green onions, or bacon bits. Serve hot for the best flavor and comfort.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the vegetable broth slightly.
- The immersion blender is recommended for ease but you can also transfer soup in batches to a regular blender carefully.
- To make it vegetarian, omit bacon bits and use vegetable broth as stated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
