Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings. With its creamy texture and rich cheddar flavor, this soup stands out as a crowd-pleaser. It’s not only easy to prepare but also offers a nutritious twist with tender broccoli and wholesome ingredients. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s sure to warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just chop, mix, and let the crockpot do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and cheddar gives this soup a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Immersion blender

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance is crucial for achieving that hands-off cooking experience while developing deep flavors.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables, saving time during prep.
• Immersion blender: This tool allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for a smooth consistency without transferring it to a blender.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup features fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Soup Base

• 6 cups broccoli florets (from 2 heads)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasoning and Thickening

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup cornstarch

For the Liquid

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk

For the Cheese

• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

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

Step 2: Mix the Broth

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth with nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until you achieve a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour this broth mixture over the vegetables in your crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend your soup until you reach your desired consistency. Feel free to leave some chunks for added texture!

Step 5: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Reduce heat to LOW. Stir in both milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow to cook for an additional 30 minutes or until cheese has melted completely.

Step 6: Serve

Taste your delicious soup one last time, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serving Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup can elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: Enhance the flavors by serving with buttery garlic bread.

Salad Pairings

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the soup.

Toppings

• Croutons: Add texture with crunchy croutons on top of your soup.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley for a fresh flavor boost.

Cheese Lovers

• Extra Cheddar: Top the soup with additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving for extra cheesiness.
• Parmesan Shavings: A few shavings of Parmesan can add depth and umami to each bowl.

How to Perfect Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

To make your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli and vegetables will enhance flavor and texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
• Blend to Preference: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half of it and leave some broccoli intact.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving can improve its flavors as they meld together.
• Cream Cheese Alternatives: For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or omit it altogether.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup will round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with creamy soup; try different cheeses for variety.
2. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful and nutritious, stuffed peppers add heartiness to your meal.
3. Quiche Lorraine: This savory pie offers rich flavors that complement the soup well.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a great texture contrast alongside creamy soup.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized flavor enhances the overall taste experience when served together.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings a refreshing touch to this hearty dish, perfect for summer meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be simple, but some common mistakes may hinder your results. Here are the key pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season your soup! If you skip the salt and pepper, your soup may taste bland. Don’t forget to taste and adjust before serving.
• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long can make it mushy. Ensure you check the broccoli’s tenderness during the last cooking hour.
• Not blending enough: If you prefer a smooth texture, don’t shy away from blending thoroughly. A good blend creates that creamy consistency.
• Using low-quality cheese: The flavor of your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup largely depends on the cheese quality. Invest in good cheddar for better taste.
• Ignoring storage guidelines: Improper storage can affect freshness. Make sure to follow the storage instructions to maintain flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli in Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly without thawing; however, keep an eye on cooking time as it may cook faster.

How do I thicken my Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, mix additional cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup towards the end of cooking.

What can I serve with this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I customize ingredients in my Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or swap out cheddar for another type of cheese based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or even adjust spices to suit your taste. Try this easy recipe today for a deliciously satisfying meal!