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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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