Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup 🥦🧀

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved the cozy comfort of a creamy soup that tastes like it came straight from your favorite café — this one’s for you.
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich, cheesy, and absolutely soul-soothing. It’s the kind of soup that makes the whole house smell like warmth and home.

Perfect for busy weekdays or chilly evenings, this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day. When you return, you’re greeted by a pot of golden, velvety goodness filled with tender potatoes, soft broccoli, and that irresistible cheddar creaminess.

One spoonful and you’ll understand why this recipe is a family favorite. ❤️

Ingredient Overview

4 cups diced potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet work best for creamy texture.
3 cups chopped broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, both work beautifully.
1 small onion, diced – Adds depth and flavor to the broth.
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) – The savory base that brings everything together.
1 cup shredded carrots (optional) – Adds color and a hint of sweetness.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The star of the show! Use good-quality cheese for a silky melt.
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk or 1½ cups half-and-half – Makes the soup luxuriously creamy.
2 tbsp butter – Adds richness and body.
1 tsp garlic powder – Subtle warmth to balance the creaminess.
Salt & pepper to taste – Don’t skip this; it makes all the flavors shine.

(Optional: Top with extra cheddar, bacon bits, or green onions before serving!)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Add Base Ingredients
In your crockpot, add potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir lightly to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Goodness
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the broccoli is soft.

Step 3: Add Creaminess
Stir in butter and evaporated milk (or half-and-half). Use a potato masher or immersion blender to lightly blend — leave some chunks for texture!

Step 4: Add the Cheese
Gradually stir in cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the soup turns rich and velvety.

Step 5: Taste & Serve
Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, top with more cheese or crispy bacon, and enjoy your cozy bowl of comfort!

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just add it directly — no need to thaw.

2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but fresh shredded melts smoother.

3. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, it’ll make the soup extra rich and silky.

4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, for a naturally sweeter twist.

6. Can I add bacon?
Absolutely — stir in crumbled cooked bacon before serving.

7. Can I add cauliflower?
Yes! It blends perfectly with the broccoli and potatoes.

8. How can I make it thicker?
Blend more of the soup or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

9. How can I make it thinner?
Add extra broth or milk to reach desired consistency.

10. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, use oat or almond milk, but add more cheese for thickness.

11. Can I cook it on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer 30–35 minutes until potatoes are tender, then blend and add cheese.

12. Can I freeze it?
Yes, though the dairy may separate slightly. Stir well after reheating.

13. How do I prevent curdling?
Add cheese slowly on low heat and avoid boiling after adding dairy.

14. Can I use Velveeta cheese?
Yes, for a smoother, creamier texture.

15. Can I add protein?
Cooked shredded chicken or ham are delicious add-ins.

16. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — perfect for meal prep or crowds.

17. What can I serve with it?
Crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a simple salad.

18. Can I blend it completely smooth?
Of course — it becomes a creamy, restaurant-style soup.

19. Can I add spices?
Try smoked paprika, cayenne, or nutmeg for a twist.

20. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use vegan butter, coconut milk, and dairy-free cheese.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use sharp cheddar for strong flavor.
2. Shred cheese fresh — it melts perfectly.
3. Don’t boil the soup after adding cheese.
4. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamier texture.
5. Blend half, not all, for perfect balance.
6. Add butter before cheese for silkiness.
7. Adjust thickness with broth or milk.
8. Cook on LOW for deeper flavor.
9. Avoid overcooking broccoli — it can lose color.
10. Stir cheese gradually, not all at once.
11. Garnish with green onions for freshness.
12. Add bacon for smoky crunch.
13. Make ahead and reheat gently.
14. Add cauliflower for more body.
15. Don’t skip the salt — it enhances the cheddar flavor.
16. Use an immersion blender for smooth texture.
17. Add cream at the end — not during long cooking.
18. Sprinkle paprika or cayenne for color.
19. Store in glass containers for easy reheating.
20. Serve with warm bread or rolls.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

Cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat on stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
Add splash of milk or broth to refresh consistency.
Avoid boiling after cheese is added.
Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.
Stir halfway through reheating to prevent hotspots.
Top with fresh cheese or bacon before serving again.

20 Recipe Secrets

Sauté onions and garlic first for deeper flavor.
Use smoked cheddar for a bolder taste.
Add a dash of Dijon mustard to enhance sharpness.
Stir in cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Use a mix of broccoli florets and stems.
Add shredded carrots for color.
Top with fried onions or croutons for crunch.
Drizzle truffle oil before serving for luxury.
Use chicken bouillon paste for richer broth.
Add a pinch of nutmeg — it pairs beautifully with cheese.
Simmer with bay leaf, then remove before serving.
Use both cheddar and gouda for gourmet twist.
Add a handful of spinach before blending.
Serve in bread bowls for fun presentation.
Add a little white pepper for gentle heat.
Use half cream, half milk for perfect balance.
Don’t rush the blending step — texture matters.
Top with shredded parmesan for extra flavor.
Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten flavors.
Garnish with microgreens or parsley for color contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you want in a cozy, slow-cooked meal — creamy, rich, cheesy, and perfectly comforting.
It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary when given a little time and love.

Serve it in big bowls with crusty bread or a sprinkle of bacon on top, and you’ll have a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. ❤️🥣

SAVE IT FOR LATER IN PINTEREST

Facebook Pinterest

Prev Article Next Article

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});