Description
Indulge in a warm, creamy bowl of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, packed with hearty potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese. This slow cooker soup is the ultimate comfort food, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or a satisfying family dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Slow Cook to Perfection:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Add the Broccoli:
- Stir in the broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking to keep them tender yet vibrant.
- Blend for Creaminess (Optional):
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a thicker consistency, or leave it chunky.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and olive oil.
- Let everything melt together, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency.
- Freezing: Dairy-based soups don’t freeze well; consider omitting the cream and cheese until reheating.
- Customization Ideas:
- Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb version.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American