Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically makes itself, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s a creamy, cheesy delight packed with tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli, slowly simmered to perfection in your crock pot. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich and wholesome, making it a go-to for busy days or cozy nights when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this easy crock pot potato broccoli cheddar soup, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to whip up this soup is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to bring incredible flavor and texture to every spoonful. Each component plays its part to build that luscious, creamy base and hearty vegetable goodness.

• Diced potatoes: About 4 medium potatoes diced; they provide the creamy, starchy body that makes the soup so satisfying.
• Broccoli florets: 3 cups, fresh or frozen, for vibrant color and a fresh vegetable crunch.
• Medium onion: One diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
• Minced garlic: Three cloves, to add a subtle aromatic kick that brings everything together.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Four cups; this is the flavorful liquid base that ties all the ingredients beautifully.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: One cup gives that signature cheesy richness we all crave in broccoli cheddar soup.
• Milk: One cup of whole or 2% milk for creaminess without heaviness.
• Sour cream: Half a cup adds tang and smooth texture to elevate the soup.
• Butter: Three tablespoons, melted to create the roux and add a delicious buttery taste.
• All-purpose flour: Two tablespoons, used to thicken the soup, creating the perfect creamy consistency.
• Salt and pepper: To taste — essential seasonings that highlight all the other flavors.
• Optional paprika or cayenne: Just a pinch for those who like a hint of warmth and spice.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by tossing the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, diced onion, and minced garlic right into your crock pot. This colorful medley is the foundation of the soup, and seeing it all together makes the process feel exciting and easy. Fresh or frozen broccoli will both work wonderfully here.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and give everything a good stir to combine. This simple step lets the savory flavors start mingling as the slow cooker works its magic.

Step 3: Cooking Time

Cover the crock pot and set it to low for about 6 to 7 hours if you want to set it and forget it during the day. Short on time? Use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. You’re aiming for tender potatoes that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Base

While the soup cooks, get started on the creamy base. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Cook this roux until it’s just starting to turn golden, about 1 to 2 minutes—this step gives your soup a silky smooth texture you’ll adore.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Mixture

Slowly whisk the milk into the roux and keep stirring until the mixture thickens, roughly 3 to 5 minutes. This thickened milk base will blend beautifully with the broth and veggies for that hallmark creaminess.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Once the crock pot veggies are tender, stir the milk mixture into the crock pot. Then add sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the entire soup reaches a luscious, creamy consistency. This moment is pure comfort in a pot!

Step 7: Season to Taste

Pause to taste your soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you want a touch of extra warmth, sprinkle in a pinch of paprika or cayenne. These seasonings balance and elevate the flavors perfectly.

Step 8: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)

If you prefer your soup a little smoother, carefully use an immersion blender to pulse it a few times or blend more thoroughly, depending on your preference. Whether chunky or silky, it’s delicious either way!

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese or fresh parsley if you like. That first spoonful is where the magic of this easy crock pot potato broccoli cheddar soup truly shines.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Garnishes

Simple garnishes take this soup to the next level. Sprinkle freshly shredded cheddar on top for a melty finish or chop some fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a subtle herbal note. A dollop of sour cream on top also adds a pleasing tang.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, maybe a warm baguette or garlic toast to soak up every bit of that cheesy goodness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. These sides add nice texture contrasts and keep the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls or mini cauldrons. You could also offer an array of toppings like crispy bacon bits, croutons, or diced green onions on the side so everyone can customize their bowls. It turns an easy crock pot potato broccoli cheddar soup into a fun, interactive feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your soup will keep well for up to 4 days, making for easy lunches or dinners that just need a quick reheat.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy homemade comfort food anytime.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat leftover soup, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then gently reheat on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, just add a splash of milk or broth and stir until smooth and warm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh for this recipe. It’s convenient and still delivers great flavor and texture once cooked in the crock pot.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep the flavors rich and vegetarian-friendly without compromising taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace the butter with a dairy-free spread.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries! You can leave the soup chunky or carefully transfer a portion to a regular blender to achieve the desired smoothness. Just blend in small batches and be cautious with the hot soup.

Can I prepare parts of the soup in advance?

Definitely! You can chop the vegetables and even make the roux ahead of time. Store the veggies in the fridge overnight and make the creamy base just before adding to the crock pot for a quicker start.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is like giving yourself a warm, cheesy hug after a busy day. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and the slow cooker does the hard work while you relax. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves classic comfort food with minimal fuss. Give it a go and watch how it becomes your new favorite weeknight meal!

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