A Hug in a Bowl: The Ultimate Comfort Food Solution
Do you ever crave a meal that wraps you in warmth, offering both hearty satisfaction and effortless preparation? Picture this: a chilly evening, a busy day, and the promise of a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious soup simmering away, waiting to greet you with its comforting embrace. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that delivers exactly that – a dish so inviting, so flavorful, it feels like a warm hug from the inside out. We’re talking about the truly magical and utterly simple Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this irresistible creation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: The 3 Best Tips!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting. A hearty, family-friendly soup made effortlessly in the slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
4–5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk or half-and-half, at room temperature
2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for sautéing)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon paprika, pinch of nutmeg, dash of hot sauce
Instructions
1. Peel and dice potatoes, chop broccoli, dice onion, and mince garlic.
2. (Optional) Sauté onion in butter 5-7 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Place potatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic in crockpot. Add broth.
4. Cover and cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours, until potatoes are tender.
5. Stir in milk or half-and-half. Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
6. (Optional) Thicken with flour or cornstarch slurry. Cook an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices. Serve hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or salad.
Top with extra cheddar, chives, croutons, or sour cream.
For firmer broccoli, add during last hour of cooking.
Use freshly grated cheddar for best melting.
To thicken naturally, mash some potatoes in the soup.
Store leftovers in the fridge 3-4 days. Reheat gently with extra milk or broth if too thick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Why Make This Recipe
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a game-changer! Here’s why this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire:
Effortless Preparation
You will love how easy this soup is to make. Just put the ingredients in your crockpot, and let it do the work.
Hearty & Satisfying
This soup is full of flavor and will fill you up. It is a complete meal on its own.
Family-Friendly Flavor
Everyone in your family will enjoy this soup. Kids love the cheesy taste, and adults appreciate the rich texture.
Minimal Cleanup
Since you cook everything in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Fewer dishes mean more time for you.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
You can make this delicious soup with common, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Ready to unlock the secrets to this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Potatoes: 4-5 medium potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
- Broccoli: 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Milk or Half-and-Half: 2 cups milk or half-and-half, at room temperature
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for sautéing)
- Flour or Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Optional Seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon paprika, a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of hot sauce
Directions of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Prep Your Veggies: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté (Optional but Recommended): In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. If you skip this step, add onion and garlic directly to the crockpot.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, sautéed (or raw) onion and garlic into your crockpot. Pour in the broth.
- Slow Cook Magic: Cover the crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Creamy Perfection: Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the milk or half-and-half. Add the freshly grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Thickening Power (Optional): If you want a thicker soup, make a slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the hot soup. Cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens to your liking.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Add any optional seasonings like paprika or nutmeg.
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
While delicious on its own, here are some ideas to make your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup an even more memorable meal:
Classic Pairings
- Serve with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
- Pair with warm garlic bread or cheesy toast.
- Enjoy alongside a simple fresh green salad.
Fun Toppings
- Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add crispy bits of smoked plant-based protein.
- Garnish with fresh chives or chopped green onions.
- Top with crunchy croutons or crushed crackers.
- Swirl in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
How to Store Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Potato Choice
Russet potatoes give a starchier, creamier texture, while Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape a bit better and offer a buttery flavor. Choose based on your preference.
Broccoli Doneness
If you prefer firmer broccoli, add it during the last hour of cooking on high, or the last two hours on low. This keeps the florets from becoming too mushy.
Cheese Quality
Use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy and prevent it from melting smoothly.
Thickening Tips
For a thicker soup, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate. If using the flour or cornstarch slurry, make sure to whisk it well with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this comforting classic? The versatility of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is one of its best features!
Flavor Boosters
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Stir in a dash of Dijon mustard for tang.
- Include a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Veggie Swaps
- Add diced carrots or celery for added nutrition and color.
- Stir in roasted red peppers for a smoky twist.
- Replace some potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
Dietary Considerations
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and dairy-free cheddar cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free broth. Use cornstarch (not flour) for thickening if needed.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth. For vegan, ensure you also use plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
FAQs
Can I make this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this soup ahead of time. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I store and reheat leftover Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much.
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it first. Add it directly to the crockpot with the other vegetables. The cooking time will remain about the same.
What kind of potatoes are best for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Russet potatoes are excellent for a thick, creamy soup as they break down easily. Yukon Gold potatoes provide a buttery flavor and hold their shape a bit more, giving the soup a chunkier texture. Both work well!
My Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is too thin, how can I thicken it?
If your soup is too thin, you have a few options. You can make a slurry by whisking 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water, then stirring it into the hot soup and cooking for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes directly in the pot to naturally thicken the soup. You can also remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Your New Go-To Comfort Food
There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating a truly spectacular Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. This recipe isn’t just about making a meal; it’s about creating moments of warmth, ease, and pure culinary delight in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself to a well-deserved, cozy evening, this soup delivers every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and prepare to be wrapped in the comforting embrace of this deeply flavorful and surprisingly simple dish. Your tastebuds – and your busy schedule – will thank you!