When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something comforting, there’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of soup. This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the perfect recipe for those cozy days. Packed with fresh broccoli, tender carrots, and creamy cheese, this soup combines hearty ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it’s made in the slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld together. Plus, the addition of cheddar cheese gives the soup a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner on a weeknight or serving it as a starter at a gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses everyday ingredients like broccoli, carrots, and cheddar cheese, which you probably already have in your kitchen.

2. Hands-Off Cooking

The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making it a perfect dish for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the effort.

3. Customizable Texture

Whether you prefer a chunky soup with pieces of broccoli or a smooth, creamy texture, you can adjust the blending process to your liking.

4. Rich and Creamy

The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese gives this soup its luscious, creamy consistency that’s so satisfying.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

Broccoli florets (from 2 heads)
Chopped onion
Shredded carrots
Cream cheese
Minced garlic
Nutmeg
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cornstarch
Chicken broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Milk

Variations

Add Potatoes: For a more filling soup, add diced potatoes to the crockpot for a heartier version.
Use a Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyere.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the chicken broth with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, leaving some chunks if preferred.

Step 4: Add Dairy

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to LOW and add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for texture and flavor. Avoid using frozen broccoli, as it may become too mushy in the slow cooker.
Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smooth soup, blend the soup with an immersion blender after it’s cooked. For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.
Shredding the Cheese: Shredding your own cheddar cheese will give you the best melt and avoid the preservatives in pre-shredded cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this comforting soup in a bowl topped with extra shredded cheese, croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit more milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of milk to bring the soup back to its original creamy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for this recipe to maintain a better texture, but you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just be aware that the texture may be softer.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with a different cheese like Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even mozzarella.

3. How can I make the soup thicker?

To make the soup thicker, you can use more cornstarch or reduce the amount of broth. If you prefer a creamy consistency, add extra cream cheese.

4. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes! Adding diced potatoes is a great idea for extra heartiness. You can add them along with the other ingredients at the beginning.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

6. Can I use an immersion blender for this recipe?

Yes, using an immersion blender is a great way to achieve a smooth texture. Just blend to your preferred consistency.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

8. How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

Chicken broth works best for flavor, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.

10. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of the crockpot?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by cooking the vegetables in a large pot, then adding the broth mixture and simmering until the vegetables are tender. Add the cheese and milk at the end and stir until melted.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and easy meal that you can set and forget. With minimal prep and the convenience of slow-cooking, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy soup ready to enjoy whenever you need it. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re making it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite.