If you crave a comforting, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious, cheesy soup combines tender broccoli, velvety potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, slow-cooked to perfection for a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to share with friends and family, this recipe delivers unmatched flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a special role, creating a balanced soup with vivid colors, creamy texture, and comforting warmth.
- Broccoli florets (6 cups): Fresh broccoli brings vibrant green color and a tender yet hearty bite to your soup.
- Chopped onion (1 cup): Onions add mild sweetness and a savory backbone that rounds out the soup’s flavor.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Carrots contribute a subtle natural sweetness and beautiful orange hue.
- Cream cheese (2 oz): Cream cheese creates a smooth, creamy consistency that makes the soup irresistibly rich.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Garlic infuses the soup with warmth and aromatic depth.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch enhances the cheesy flavor with a hint of cozy spice.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt perfects the balance of flavors throughout the soup.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity to every spoonful.
- Cornstarch (1/3 cup): Works as a gentle thickener to give the soup body without heaviness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that ties all vegetables and seasonings together wonderfully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz): Sharp cheddar melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that defines the soup’s character.
- Milk (2 cups): Creamy milk lightens the soup, making it silky and smooth without overpowering the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Cream Cheese
Begin by roughly chopping the broccoli florets to ensure they cook evenly and soften nicely in the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic right on top. This layering lets the flavors start melding together as the slow cooker works its magic.
Step 2: Mix and Pour the Broth Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Cornstarch is key here to help thicken the soup as it cooks. Pour this vibrant mixture over the veggies and cream cheese in the crockpot, then stir gently to combine. Every spoonful will have a perfect balance of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until the Broccoli is Tender
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the broccoli to become tender and infused with all the fragrant seasonings. Once tender, use an immersion blender if desired to blend the soup slightly — leaving some chunks gives a wonderful texture experience that feels homemade and hearty.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cheddar Cheese
Reduce the heat to LOW and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Let this mixture cook for another 30 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully and the soup to become incredibly creamy and rich. This step is where the soup really comes alive with that classic cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Final Stir and Serve Hot
Give the soup a final good stir to ensure everything is perfectly blended and heated through. Your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is now ready to be scooped into bowls and enjoyed warm. It’s just the kind of coziness that brightens any day.
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup with simple garnishes like chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar for an irresistible presentation. A dollop of sour cream can add tangy creaminess and a fresh crunch from toasted croutons adds texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or a buttery garlic baguette for dipping. A light, crisp side salad brings refreshing balance alongside the soup’s richness, making for a well-rounded meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, ideal for individual portions and extra flavor. You can also turn leftovers into a savory pot pie filling or use the soup as a decadent base for a cheesy broccoli casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to keep everything vegetarian without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh broccoli tends to hold its texture better after slow cooking. If using frozen, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully for future meals.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with cold milk during the cooking process, or remove the lid towards the end and let it simmer to reduce slightly.
Can I use a regular pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can make this on the stovetop over medium heat, simmering until the vegetables are tender and the soup thickens, but the slow cooker gives a deeper melded flavor and super tender texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe is a true game changer for anyone who loves comforting, cheesy goodness with minimal fuss. It’s a feel-good dish that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for busy days or whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!
