Hearty Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for All Ages

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of creamy crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup that promises warmth on the coldest days.

Hearty vegetables blend with rich, melted cheese to create a soul-satisfying meal.

Tender potatoes and vibrant broccoli simmer slowly, developing deep flavors throughout the cooking process.

This one-pot wonder delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

The slow cooker works its magic, allowing ingredients to meld into a luxurious, velvety texture.

Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of creamy cheese and nutritious vegetables.

Dive into this simple yet elegant soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty foundation that provides creamy thickness and comforting texture, choose waxy varieties like Yukon gold for best results..
  • Broccoli: Nutritious green powerhouse that adds vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor, select fresh stalks with tight, bright green florets..
  • Onion: Aromatic foundation that builds deep savory undertones, opt for sweet yellow onions for balanced taste..
  • Garlic: Robust flavor enhancer that adds depth and complexity, choose fresh cloves for most intense profile..
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base creating rich soup foundation, select low-sodium versions for better seasoning control..
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that elevates overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor..
  • Pepper: Warming spice that provides gentle heat, freshly ground offers superior taste..
  • Smoked Paprika: Optional smoky accent that introduces subtle warmth, high-quality Spanish varieties recommended..
For Creamy Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious texture builder that creates silky smoothness, full-fat version yields richest results..
  • Half-and-Half: Lighter alternative providing similar creaminess, good for reducing overall richness..
  • Flour: Optional thickening agent that helps stabilize soup's consistency, unbleached all-purpose works perfectly..
  • Cheddar Cheese: Flavor-packed ingredient delivering sharp, tangy notes, sharp varieties provide more pronounced taste..
  • Butter: Final touch of richness that rounds out flavor profile, unsalted recommended for precise seasoning..
For Garnish Options:
  • Bacon: Crispy protein topping adding smoky crunch, thick-cut varieties provide best texture.

Cooking Gear For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Crockpot: Slow cooker essential for making this hearty soup with minimal effort.
  • Immersion Blender: Perfect for creating a creamy texture directly in the pot without transferring soup.
  • Blender (alternative): Helpful for smooth blending if you don't have an immersion blender.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping potatoes, broccoli, and garnishes.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the crockpot.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

Simple Directions For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Simple Directions For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
  • Soup Foundation

Create a hearty base by tossing potatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic into your crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle some seasonings for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

  • Slow Cooking Magic

Let your crockpot work its magic by simmering the ingredients on low heat for several hours. This slow process helps the vegetables become tender and allows flavors to mingle and develop beautifully.

  • Creamy Transformation

Take your soup from good to incredible by gently blending some of the vegetables. This technique creates a luxurious, velvety texture that will make everyone at the table swoon.

  • Cheesy Finale

Introduce rich cream and sharp cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, decadent soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

  • Serving Celebration

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, and fresh green onions. Each spoonful promises comfort and pure deliciousness that will make everyone smile.

Tasty Ideas And Tips For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Creamy Comfort Magic: Insider tips to elevate your potato broccoli cheddar soup game!
  • Texture Transformation Trick: Use an immersion blender to control the soup's consistency – partially blend for a chunky texture or fully smooth out for a velvety experience.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Roast broccoli and potatoes briefly before adding to the crockpot to intensify their natural sweetness and add deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, and use lactose-free cheese and cream for a sensitive-stomach friendly adaptation.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon directly into the soup for extra protein and a satisfying meaty dimension that complements the creamy base.
  • Storage Secret: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain its silky smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Cozy Bread Companions: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of creamy soup.
  • Hearty Protein Boost: Top with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for extra protein and satisfying texture.
  • Veggie Crunch Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions, crispy roasted broccoli florets, or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Comfort Bowl Finishing: Garnish with extra sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a light drizzle of olive oil to elevate the soup's rich flavors.

Storage Plan For Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain fresh flavor.
  • Quick Freezer Rescue: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers with 1-inch headspace, leaving room for expansion. Freeze flat for maximum storage efficiency, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat Like a Pro: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup appears too thick. Microwave works well in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each blast.
  • Portion Control Magic: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use small mason jars or leak-proof containers for convenient workplace or school meal prep. Label with date to track freshness.
Print
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Hearty Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup delivers comfort in a bowl with creamy Wisconsin cheese and garden-fresh vegetables. Home cooks will savor this simple one-pot meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger effortlessly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 cups (720 ml) broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 medium potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900 g), peeled and diced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps butter (optional, for richness)
  • 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Crumbled bacon (garnish)
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese (garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine diced potatoes, broccoli florets, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in the crockpot. Gently mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
  2. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables become tender and flavors meld together.
  3. Texture Transformation: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup directly in the crockpot, creating a rustic, creamy consistency. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer half the soup, pulse until smooth, then return to the original mixture.
  4. Creamy Enhancement: Whisk heavy cream into the soup, then gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted. For added thickness, whisk flour into the cream before incorporating.
  5. Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in a pat of butter moments before serving to enhance richness.
  6. Serving: Ladle the velvety soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, additional cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped green onions for a delightful presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Vegetable Mushiness: Cook vegetables on low setting to maintain their texture and prevent overcooking, ensuring broccoli and potatoes remain slightly firm instead of turning mushy.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve smooth, silky consistency without graininess.
  • Blending Safety Tip: When using standard blender, fill only halfway and remove center lid cap to allow steam escape, preventing potential pressure build-up and kitchen accidents.
  • Dietary Modification Options: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, use gluten-free flour for thickening, and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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