Description
This Crockpot Creamy Cheese Broccoli Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and potatoes in a savory broth, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 large potatoes)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Optional: Croutons for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion, and chop the broccoli into small florets. Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the diced onion, broccoli florets, diced potatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the crockpot, ensuring the vegetables are fully covered.
- Set to Cook: Secure the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before serving, check the potatoes and broccoli to ensure they are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your preferred creaminess. Alternatively, transfer soup to a blender in batches, being cautious with the hot liquid.
- Add Cheese and Cream: After blending, return the soup to the crockpot (if removed), and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and well incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: The soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and croutons if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and potatoes for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference; fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added.
- For a creamier texture, add more cheese or cream, or blend a portion of the soup before adding cream.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add cooked chicken, diced ham, or bacon bits to make it a complete meal.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and cream alternatives and vegetable broth.
- Add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or corn for extra nutrition.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil at the end of cooking.
- Top with sour cream, scallions, and shredded cheese for a baked potato style.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A