Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and a rich, cheesy broth. The ingredients are tossed into a crockpot and slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together while the vegetables soften and the cheese melts into a velvety, smooth soup. The result is a rich, hearty soup with chunks of potato, bits of broccoli, and a savory cheddar cheese flavor that makes each bite indulgent yet satisfying.

I first made Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup when I was craving something warm and hearty on a chilly day, and it turned out to be the perfect comfort food. The slow cooking process makes everything wonderfully tender, and the cheese adds a luxurious richness to the soup. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make—the crockpot does all the work, and you can let it cook while you go about your day. Whether enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread or as a stand-alone meal, this soup is a warm, filling treat that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

Cold weather
Family dinners
Comfort food cravings
Meal prepping for the week
Cheddar cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup will become your go-to comfort food:

Rich and Cheesy Flavor: The cheddar cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the soup that’s irresistible.
Tender Potatoes: The slow cooking process ensures the potatoes are soft and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Fresh Broccoli: The broccoli adds a delightful texture and a burst of color to the dish.
Minimal Effort: Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work.
Perfectly Smooth Soup: The soup blends beautifully for a velvety texture that’s comforting and satisfying.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, paired with bread or a salad.
Meal Prep Friendly: It makes a big batch, perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
Customizable Texture: Blend the soup for a smooth consistency or leave it chunky for more texture.
Budget-Friendly: An affordable meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This soup is naturally vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan with a few swaps.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 6 hours (including slow-cooking time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Optional Garnish:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or chives
Crumbled beef bacon

Ingredient Highlights

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, savory flavor that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
Broccoli: Brings freshness and a slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the cheese.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety finish to the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Prep Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Cut the broccoli into small florets.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Add the potatoes, broccoli, onion, garlic, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Cook the Soup:

Set Slow Cooker: Cover and cook the soup on low for 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend (Optional): Once cooked, you can either leave the soup chunky or use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth.

Add Cheese and Cream:

Stir in Cheese and Cream: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and butter (if using) to the soup. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or crumbled beef bacon if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

With Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for dipping.
As a Light Meal: Enjoy on its own for a comforting, light dinner.
With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
For Lunch: It’s a hearty and filling lunch that can be prepped ahead of time.
With a Side of Garlic Bread: Make your meal extra indulgent with a side of garlic bread.
With Sour Cream and Chives: Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chives for extra flavor.
As a Side Dish: Serve as a side alongside a main course like roasted chicken or steak.
With a Sprinkle of Beef Bacon Bits: Top with crumbled beef bacon for a crunchy, savory twist.
As a Party Starter: Serve in small cups as an appetizer for a gathering.
With a Shredded Salad: Top with a tangy shredded cabbage salad to add a bit of crunch.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for a creamy texture. Chop them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Fresh or Frozen Broccoli: Both work great! If using frozen, add it halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic First: Sautéing these in a bit of butter before adding them to the crockpot enhances the soup’s flavor.
Blend for a Smoother Texture: For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the cooked ingredients using an immersion blender before adding the cheese.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect melting. Freshly grated cheddar melts smoothly and tastes better.
Add a Splash of Cream: For an extra luxurious texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
Season Gradually: Start with a light hand on the salt and adjust after adding the cheese, as it can make the soup saltier.
Top with Crunch: Garnish with croutons, crispy bacon bits, or fried onions for added texture and flavor.
Keep It Warm: Switch the crockpot to the “warm” setting after cooking to keep the soup at a perfect serving temperature.
Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to avoid separating the cheese.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and cream to make this soup vegan-friendly.
Add Beef Bacon: For a smoky flavor, add crumbled beef bacon to the soup while cooking or as a garnish.
Add Leeks: For a deeper onion flavor, substitute leeks for the regular onion.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Roasted Garlic Version: Roast the garlic before adding it to the soup for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Add Carrots: For extra vegetables, include carrots along with the potatoes and broccoli.
Use a Different Cheese: Try using gouda or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.

Special Equipment

Crockpot or Slow Cooker: For easy, hands-off cooking.
Immersion Blender: For blending the soup smoothly, if desired.
Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables efficiently.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing.
How long can I store leftovers?
The soup lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for more veggies.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream and cheese for a dairy-free version.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Mash a portion of the potatoes in the soup or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
Can I add meat to the soup?
Yes, crumbled sausage or diced chicken would work well in this soup.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this soup on the stove by simmering the ingredients until tender, then blending and adding the cheese and cream.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese in one hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy days, as the crockpot does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully as it simmers. The potatoes break down to create a velvety, creamy base, while the broccoli adds a burst of color and freshness. The cheddar cheese melts into the soup, making it rich, comforting, and full of flavor.

This recipe is versatile—you can add extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower, or even toss in some cooked chicken or beef bacon for added protein. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth, depending on your preference for a thicker or thinner soup. With its creamy texture and comforting flavors, this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to be a family favorite.

I can’t wait to see how your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this soup your own!