Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

 

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish perfect for warming up on cold days. Combining tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, this slow-cooked soup is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Its rich and satisfying texture makes it a hit for both kids and adults alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup.

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Why Choose the Crock Pot Method?

Using a Crock Pot (slow cooker) allows the flavors of the soup to develop fully while you go about your day. It’s a hands-off cooking method that saves time and effort, making it perfect for busy schedules or when you want a meal ready to serve with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients:

For 6–8 servings, you’ll need:

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and diced) – 4 cups (about 4 medium potatoes)
• Fresh broccoli florets – 3 cups (about 1 medium head of broccoli)
• Carrots (peeled and grated) – 1 cup
• Onion (diced) – 1 medium
• Garlic cloves (minced) – 3
• Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
• Heavy cream or half-and-half – 1 cup
• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – 2 cups (plus extra for garnish)
• Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
• Salt and black pepper – To taste
• Paprika or cayenne pepper (optional) – For a bit of spice
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Optional

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Step-by-Step Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Reserve a handful for garnishing, if desired.
3. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the carrots.

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Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Crock Pot

1. In the Crock Pot, add the diced potatoes, chopped broccoli (save some for later), grated carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the vegetables are just covered.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a hint of spice.

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Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded together.

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Step 4: Add Broccoli

1. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the reserved broccoli florets. This step ensures they retain their bright green color and slight crunch.

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Step 5: Thicken the Soup

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Stir the roux into the soup to thicken the broth. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes.

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Step 6: Blend the Soup

1. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the Crock Pot for a creamy texture. For a chunkier soup, blend only a portion of the soup and leave some vegetables intact.
2. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches of the soup to a countertop blender and return it to the Crock Pot.

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Step 7: Add Cheese and Cream

1. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

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Step 8: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, and the reserved broccoli florets.
2. Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal.

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Tips for Perfect Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked.
2. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli provides the best flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch.
3. Customize the Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
4. Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before blending. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.
5. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid separating the cream.

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Why You’ll Love It

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and hearty ingredients make it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, this soup delivers both flavor and warmth with minimal effort.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort that will have everyone coming back for seconds!