Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe For Dinner

Creamy crock pot potato broccoli cheddar soup brings comfort right to your kitchen during chilly evenings.

Steaming bowls promise warm satisfaction with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in your slow cooker, creating magic without constant stirring.

Cheese melts into tender vegetables, developing rich layers of flavor that feel like a warm embrace.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy people who want delicious meals.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe delivers a complete meal in one pot.

Reasons to Enjoy Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot without complicated chopping or complicated techniques, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Blend the soup to your preferred texture – chunky or smooth – and top with favorite garnishes like bacon or green onions, creating a personalized dining experience that suits every taste.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple vegetables into a single dish, delivering a hearty meal loaded with broccoli, potatoes, and carrots that provides essential nutrients and satisfies hunger without multiple cooking steps.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone craves something warm and delicious.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cheddar Soup Recipe

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide a creamy and substantial base for the soup.
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Onion: Aromatic ingredient that builds a deep flavor foundation for the soup.
  • Broth: Liquid base that helps cook and flavor the vegetables.
For the Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Thyme, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the soup.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • Carrots: Sweet vegetable that contributes additional nutrition and subtle sweetness.
For the Finishing Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Rich dairy components that create a luxurious, creamy texture and provide a sharp, tangy flavor.
  • Bacon Bits, Green Onions, Extra Shredded Cheese: Optional garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the soup.

How to Make Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Chop and Combine Vegetables

Wash and roughly chop broccoli, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Mince garlic cloves.

Toss all chopped vegetables into the crock pot along with:
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika (optional)

Make sure ingredients are evenly distributed across the pot.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the crock pot and set to low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours.

Allow vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld together. The broccoli and potatoes should be soft enough to break apart easily.

Step 3: Transform Soup Texture

Use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot to puree the soup. Create your preferred consistency – leave some chunky pieces for texture or blend until completely smooth.

No immersion blender? Carefully transfer soup portions to a standard blender, then return to crock pot.

Step 4: Enrich with Dairy and Cheese

Pour heavy cream into the soup and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle hot soup into serving bowls.

Top with optional garnishes like:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra cheddar cheese shreds

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Helpful Tips for Broccoli Cheddar Soup Success

  • Swap vegetables easily by using frozen broccoli or adding cauliflower for variety and texture.
  • Prevent cheese from becoming grainy by adding it gradually and stirring continuously after turning off the heat.
  • Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with milk or using low-fat cheese options for healthier eating.
  • Enhance flavor depth by roasting vegetables before adding them to the crock pot, which intensifies their natural sweetness and complexity.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain smooth consistency and prevent separation.

Easy Ways to Switch Up This Cheddar Soup

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Lean Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken or turkey to transform the soup into a more protein-packed meal, perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking extra nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap regular broth with gluten-free vegetable or chicken broth for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and top with jalapeños for a zesty southwestern-inspired soup that brings exciting heat to the classic recipe.

Tasty Pairings for Crock Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Savor Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all the cheesy goodness and adding delightful texture contrast.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose light and zesty notes will cut through the soup's richness and refresh the palate.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy and hearty profile, providing a refreshing counterpoint.

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Soup the Right Way

Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup covered to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum space efficiency, lasting up to 2-3 months.

Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.

Pour soup into saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli and carrots work perfectly. Just add them directly to the crock pot without thawing.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but check your broth and cheese labels to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon gold potatoes are ideal. They break down nicely and create a creamy texture when blended.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. Use a vegetarian-friendly cheese to keep the recipe meat-free.

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Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crock pot potato broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending hearty vegetables with rich, melted cheese. Hearty ingredients simmer slowly, creating a soul-warming meal that promises delicious satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Vegetables:

  • 1 pound potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Dairy and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes:

  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Green onions
  • Extra cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine diced potatoes, chopped broccoli, minced onions, sliced carrots, crushed garlic, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika in the crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Cover and slow-cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing vegetables to become tender and infuse their flavors.
  3. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender, carefully pureeing to desired consistency – leaving some vegetable chunks for rustic appeal or blending completely smooth. Alternative method: transfer soup portions to standard blender, then return to crock pot.
  4. Introduce rich creaminess by stirring in heavy cream and gradually melting shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring thorough incorporation and smooth consistency. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Serve steaming hot, elegantly ladling soup into individual bowls and enhancing with optional garnishes like crispy bacon crumbles, thinly sliced green onions, or extra cheese sprinkles for added visual and flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Customize texture by controlling blending, leaving some veggie chunks for a rustic feel or pureeing completely smooth for a velvety soup.
  • Swap heavy cream with milk or non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk for lighter versions, accommodating different dietary needs.
  • Enhance protein by adding cooked chicken, ham, or crispy tofu cubes directly into the soup before serving for a more substantial meal.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and keep the recipe exciting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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