Name: Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Broccoli Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Ingredients: 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

If you’re in search of the perfect cozy dish to warm up your evenings, look no further than this Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Broccoli Soup! This has become a go-to comfort food for many, offering not just warmth but a fantastic blend of flavor and nutrition. This recipe highlights the beauty of simple ingredients coming together effortlessly in a crockpot, allowing you to enjoy delicious soup without hovering over the stove. Combining fluffy russet potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, and a melty cheddar cheese infusion, it truly embodies the essence of soul-soothing cooking.

This soup shines during chilly evenings and is perfect for lazy weekends when you want to binge-watch your favorite shows without worrying about meal prep. Thanks to the crockpot, the work is minimal; simply add everything to the pot, set it, and forget it. You’ll be rewarded with a creamy, rich soup that not only fills your belly but also your heart. Plus, incorporating veggies in a cheesy dish like this feels like a genius way to sneak in some nutrition for both kids and adults!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Broccoli Soup

Easy Preparation: Just chop your ingredients, throw them in the crockpot, and let it simmer.
Rich & Creamy Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar and heavy cream makes every spoonful deliciously indulgent.
Comforting & Hearty: This soup is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for cozy meals on cold days.
Nutritious: Packed with veggies like broccoli and carrots, this soup isn’t just tasty but also good for you.
Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive straight into cooking, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Broccoli Soup turns out perfectly. A clean, organized workspace makes cooking less stressful and more enjoyable. Start by gathering all your ingredients: russet potatoes, broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, carrots, broth, milk, heavy cream, and seasoning. Chop your vegetables ahead of time, as this will help everything cook evenly and maximize flavor.

Additionally, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process. You’ll need a high-quality crockpot for slow cooking—this is where the magic happens. An immersion blender can be optional, allowing you to blend the soup to your desired consistency, but if you don’t have one, a traditional blender will work just as well. A set of sharp knives will also make vegetable prep quicker and easier. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons to ensure perfect measurements of your liquids and spices!

Ingredients

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by giving your fresh produce some attention! Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets for a perfect texture that’s both tender and retains some bite. Dicing the onion and mincing the garlic will add a rich depth of flavor, while slicing the carrots adds a pop of color and sweetness to the soup.

Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot

Once your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot. Pour in the broth of your choice—either vegetable or chicken will work fabulously here. Stir everything together gently, ensuring that the vegetables are submerged in the broth to allow for even cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Now, set your crockpot. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6 to 7 hours. Alternatively, cooking on high will take about 3 to 4 hours. The key here is patience—allow the potatoes to become tender! You’ll know your soup is ready when the potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

If you desire a creamier base, grab your immersion blender! Carefully blend the soup until you reach the desired consistency, being cautious not to over-blend, as a bit of chunkiness adds character. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer part of the soup into a regular blender, blend it, and then stir it back in.

Step 5: Add Broccoli

About half an hour before serving, toss in the fresh broccoli florets. This step allows the broccoli to cook just right; it will be tender but still vibrant and crisp when served.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Roux

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux that thickens and gives body to the soup. Gradually incorporate the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens up and achieves a silky texture. This rich mixture is what makes your soup purely decadent!

Step 7: Combine and Incorporate

Add this creamy roux into the crockpot and mix thoroughly until everything is blended. This step is where your creamy texture truly comes to life. Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and beautifully incorporated into the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls, and don’t hesitate to go the extra mile with toppings. Sprinkle some extra cheese, a dash of pepper, or any favorite toppings for an added touch. Enjoying this soup with crusty bread is a great way to scoop up every last drop!

Variations

Protein: Consider adding shredded cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier soup that’s even more filling.
Vegetables: Add in other veggies like corn, peas, or bell peppers to expand the soup’s nutritional profile.
Spices: Boost flavor by incorporating spices such as paprika, cayenne, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy note.

Cooking Notes

Freshly shredded cheese offers the best melt; avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as anti-caking agents can hinder melting.
For an ultra-smooth soup, blend a bit more of the base before adding in the broccoli.
Always add the cheese on low heat to prevent any chances of it curdling or becoming grainy.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort meal.
Top with crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch and smoky flavor.

Tips

For meal prepping, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing is also an option; just keep in mind the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the consistency if needed.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 10 grams
Sodium: 600 mg

FAQs

Can I substitute the potatoes for another vegetable?

Yes, you can use cauliflower or sweet potatoes if you’re looking for a lower-carb option!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and avoid adding any meat for a completely meat-free option.

How can I thicken the soup more?

If you want a thicker consistency, simply increase the flour in the roux or add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

While fresh broccoli is recommended, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crockpot Cheesy Potato Broccoli Soup is the epitome of comfort food, wrapping you in warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor, nutrition, and adaptability to fit your personal taste or pantry ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly day or serving it at a gathering, this soup is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. We’d love to see your take on this recipe, so be sure to drop a comment below with your variations, or share this delightful dish with your friends and family. Don’t wait—bring some warmth into your kitchen today with this soul-comforting soup!