When the days grow shorter and there’s a distinct chill in the air, my kitchen turns into a haven for warm, hearty dishes. And nothing quite says 'cozy comfort' like a bowl of creamy, rich soup. Today, I'm thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite slow cooker recipes: Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This isn't just any soup; it’s a bowl of pure, cheesy bliss, designed to warm you from the inside out with minimal effort.

Imagine tender chunks of potato, vibrant green broccoli florets, and a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese melting into a velvety, satisfying base. The best part? Your trusty slow cooker handles most of the work, infusing your home with an irresistible aroma that promises a delicious dinner is on its way.

Why This Soup is a Weeknight Champion

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup has earned its spot as a regular in my meal rotation for several fantastic reasons:

• Ultimate Convenience: With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, prep time is minimal, making it perfect for busy schedules. Set it in the morning, and dinner is practically ready by evening.
• Rich, Velvety Texture: The potatoes break down beautifully, naturally thickening the soup, which is then made luxuriously creamy with heavy cream and plenty of cheese.
• Packed with Goodness: It's a delightful way to get your vegetables, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that even picky eaters will adore.
• Family Favorite: The combination of classic flavors – potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar – makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that appeals to all ages.
• Excellent for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. It’s perfect for meal prepping a few lunches or dinners throughout the week.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is truly a culinary superpower, especially for soups like this. The extended cooking time allows the potatoes to become incredibly tender and release their starches, contributing to the soup's natural thickness. Meanwhile, the broccoli softens perfectly, and all the flavors have ample time to meld and deepen, creating a harmonious and incredibly satisfying dish. If you love the ease of slow cooking, you might also enjoy our recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Comfort Food Recipe, another hearty meal made simple!

Ingredients for Your Cozy Bowl

Gathering the ingredients for this comforting soup is straightforward. Here’s what you'll need to create this cheesy masterpiece:

• 4 cups of diced potatoes (about 4 medium, peeled or unpeeled)
• 4 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: fresh chives, extra shredded cheddar, or crunchy croutons

Did you know that cheddar cheese, a staple in this soup, gets its distinctive flavor and texture through a process called 'cheddaring'? You can learn more about its fascinating history and production on Wikipedia.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Add Protein: Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes for a more substantial meal. Crispy bacon bits or ham are also excellent additions.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even some red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like a bay leaf (removed before blending) or a sprinkle of parsley for fresh flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: While sharp cheddar is classic, try a blend with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a touch of smoked gouda for different flavor notes.
• Pairings: Serve with warm, crusty bread, a simple side salad, or even alongside our delicious Baked Potato Chicken and Broccoli Casserole for an ultimate comfort food spread.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup is ideal for making ahead and enjoying later!

• Storage: Once completely cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir (and perhaps a splash of milk) will usually bring it back.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a testament to the fact that incredibly delicious meals don't have to be complicated. It offers all the warmth, flavor, and satisfaction you crave, making it the perfect antidote to a chilly day or a busy evening. Give it a try, and let its creamy, cheesy goodness become a new favorite in your home!

FAQs

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetable broth)

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Description

A rich and creamy slow cooker soup featuring tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium, peeled or unpeeled)
4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: fresh chives, extra shredded cheddar, or crunchy croutons

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Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your vegetables. Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into small, uniform cubes. If you're using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets.
Step 2: In your Crock Pot, combine the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
Step 3: Place the lid on your Crock Pot and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the broccoli is soft.
Step 4: Once the vegetables are tender, it's time to achieve that creamy consistency. Use an immersion blender directly in the Crock Pot to puree the soup to your desired smoothness. If you prefer a soup with some texture, blend only about half of it, leaving some chunks of potato and broccoli.
Step 5: Now for the magic! Stir in the heavy cream and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is beautifully smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with your favorite optional toppings, such as a sprinkle of fresh chives, extra cheddar cheese, or a handful of crispy croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Notes

For a lighter soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, adjusting for desired richness. Leftovers reheat wonderfully on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to thin.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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