Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a warm and creamy slow cooker recipe combining tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, this hearty soup offers rich, velvety texture and nourishing fiber, making it perfect for chilly days, busy nights, or meal prep.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 4 cups diced Russet potatoes (about 3 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups milk or cream (warm)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional herbs: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing potatoes into bite-sized chunks and chopping broccoli into small florets to ensure even cooking and perfect blending in the soup.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, add diced potatoes, broccoli, chopped onion, minced garlic, broth, salt, and pepper; layering flavors properly allows everything to meld beautifully during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are tender and flavors have fully developed, creating a rich, comforting base.
- Add Dairy and Blend: Stir in warm milk or cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup; if desired, use an immersion blender to partially puree some potatoes for a thicker texture.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, give the soup a final stir, then ladle into bowls. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or extra cheddar if desired and enjoy.
Notes
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy texture without falling apart.
- Add cheddar cheese at the end to avoid grainy texture.
- Use fresh broccoli to keep florets firm; frozen broccoli tends to get mushy.
- Place heavier vegetables like potatoes at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.
- Don’t skip garlic and onion—they add essential depth and richness to the soup.
- Customize by adding cauliflower, carrots, bacon bits, shredded chicken, or spices like red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute milk and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to maintain creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, potato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, creamy soup, comfort food, gluten free, easy recipe