Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Here’s a warm, comforting crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup that promises pure culinary bliss.

Cold winter days call for something magical simmering in your kitchen.

Walking into a space filled with rich, cheesy aromas that instantly make you smile.

Hearty vegetables blend seamlessly with creamy cheese, creating a soul-warming experience.

Each spoonful brings together tender potatoes, vibrant broccoli, and melted cheddar in perfect harmony.

Some recipes simply feel like a warm hug, and this soup definitely ranks high on that list.

This delightful dish will become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Grab a bowl and let the deliciousness begin!

What’s So Good About Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Effortless Slow Cooking Magic: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and walk away, transforming simple vegetables into a luxurious soup without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
  • Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: Enjoy a velvety texture that combines tender potatoes, soft broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding bacon, adjusting cheese quantities, or swapping ingredients to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for families and gatherings.
  • Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack multiple food groups into a single meal with vegetables, protein, and dairy, providing a balanced and hearty dinner option that requires minimal cleanup and preparation time.

Must-Haves for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base that adds thickness and creamy texture to the soup.
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that provides color and health benefits.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic: Provides rich, savory undertone to enhance overall taste.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the soup, adds rich flavor.
  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Contributes to creamy, smooth texture.
Seasonings and Enhancers:
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the soup's flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika: Optional spice that adds subtle smoky complexity.
Cheese and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Primary cheese that gives the soup its signature flavor and richness.
  • Flour: Optional thickening agent to adjust soup consistency.
  • Butter: Adds extra richness and smooth finish to the soup.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Bacon: Crispy topping that provides salty, crunchy texture.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.

Easy Steps for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Steps for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prep the Veggie Magic

Toss these ingredients into your slow cooker:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chopped broccoli florets
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika (optional but awesome)

Give everything a good mix so all the flavors start becoming friends.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooking Begin

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours. If you want a more relaxed approach, let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes and broccoli are tender and falling apart.

Step 3: Create Creamy Perfection

Want an ultra-smooth texture? Grab an immersion blender and partially blend the soup right in the pot. No immersion blender? No worries! Carefully transfer about half the soup to a standard blender, blend until silky, and pour it back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cheese Transformation

Time to make this soup seriously delicious:
  • Pour in heavy cream
  • Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: Whisk a bit of flour into the cream for extra thickness

Stir until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy base.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Do a quick taste test and adjust seasoning. Want an extra touch of richness? Stir in a pat of butter just before serving. Ladle into bowls and make it look fancy with these toppings:
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Extra cheese sprinkles
  • Chopped green onions

Tips to Nail Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Prep Potatoes with Care: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Customize Creaminess Levels: Use an immersion blender or regular blender to control soup's thickness, creating either chunky or smooth consistency based on preference.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese off direct heat and stir gently to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy incorporation.
  • Dietary Swap Options: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, and use gluten-free flour if needing a gluten-free adaptation.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of worcestershire sauce to intensify the soup's savory profile without overwhelming other ingredients.

How to Keep Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best texture.
  • Reheat Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Stir gently to prevent separation of cream and cheese.
  • Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This method helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching. Add a little extra liquid if soup appears thick.

Pair Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Like a Pro

  • Pair with Crusty Bread Companions: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or hearty whole wheat bread to dip into the creamy soup. These crusty options soak up the rich, cheesy broth perfectly and add a delightful textural contrast.
  • Match with Crisp Salad Partners: Whip up a light, tangy green salad with mixed spring greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy salad cuts through the soup's richness and provides a refreshing balance.
  • Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the soup's creamy texture. These light, acidic wines help cleanse the palate between spoonfuls and highlight the soup's cheesy undertones.
  • Select Protein-Packed Sidekicks: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits as a protein-rich topping. These meaty additions bring extra depth and satisfying crunch to the already comforting soup experience.

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup With a Twist

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for more depth and nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwest: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy finish.
  • Lean Green Machine: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk. Use low-fat cheddar and add kale alongside broccoli for an extra nutrient boost.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening. Select gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards. Top with gluten-free croutons for added texture.

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup FAQ Section

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon for a fully vegetarian version.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch if you want a gluten-free thickener, and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.

  • How healthy is this potato broccoli cheddar soup?

This soup provides good nutrients like vitamin C from broccoli, protein from cheese, and potassium from potatoes. However, it’s moderately high in calories due to cream and cheese, so enjoy in moderation.

  • Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze it. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, stir well as the cream might separate during freezing.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy potatoes with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli. Warm spoons of this Wisconsin-inspired classic invite comfort and satisfaction with each rich, cheesy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 4 medium potatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), peeled and diced
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Base Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnishes (optional):

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Arrange all ingredients in the crockpot, combining diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, rich chicken broth, aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and optional smoked paprika. Gently mix the components to ensure even distribution.
  2. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours, ensuring vegetables become fork-tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
  3. Transform the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to partially puree the contents directly in the crockpot. Alternatively, carefully transfer approximately half the soup to a standard blender, pulse until velvety smooth, then reintegrate into the original mixture.
  4. Introduce luxurious creaminess by whisking heavy cream into the soup. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky, uniform consistency. For enhanced thickness, incorporate flour into the cream before adding.
  5. Refine the soup’s flavor profile by tasting and adjusting seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Enrich the final preparation by stirring in a pat of butter moments before serving.
  6. Elegantly ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls. Elevate the presentation with optional garnishes such as crispy crumbled bacon, extra cheddar cheese shreds, and freshly chopped green onions for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Customize the soup’s consistency by adjusting the blending technique, using an immersion blender for a partially chunky texture or a standard blender for ultra-smooth results.
  • Make the recipe vegetarian by swapping chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensuring all cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
  • Reduce calories by using low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and choosing reduced-fat cheddar cheese without compromising the rich flavor profile.
  • Enhance meal prep by chopping vegetables the night before and storing them in the refrigerator to streamline morning cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 206
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 42 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star