A warm, velvety, and nourishing soup filled with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, carrots, and rich cheddar cheese—perfect for a cozy family meal or an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl. It’s creamy without being heavy, full of wholesome vegetables, and incredibly simple to prepare. Just add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it simmer, and return to a delicious homemade soup. It’s also versatile, reheats beautifully, and pairs well with bread or a light salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup thick cream (heavy cream)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender and translucent.
3. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your crock pot.
5. Add the diced potatoes, chopped broccoli, and diced carrots.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
7. Add paprika, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are soft.
9. Using a potato masher or immersion blender, lightly blend part of the soup for a creamier texture (optional).
10. Stir in the thick cream and grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely.
11. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: approximately 7 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)

Variations

– Add celery for extra flavor.
– Use cauliflower in place of some potatoes for a lighter soup.
– Replace cheddar with gouda or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
– Add a pinch of chili flakes for a mild heat.
– Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth only.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the texture.

FAQs

How can I make this soup thicker?

You can mash more of the potatoes, blend a portion of the soup, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the crock pot without thawing.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream or oat cream, and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Do I need to sauté the onions first?

Sautéing enhances flavor, but you can skip this step for convenience.

Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead?

Yes. Simmer all vegetables in broth until tender, then add cream and cheese at the end.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal because they become soft and creamy.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken can be added during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Why did my cheese clump?

Cheese may clump if added when the soup is boiling. Add it on low heat and stir gently.

Can I blend the entire soup?

Yes, for an ultra-smooth and creamy soup, blend fully with an immersion blender.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting, easy, and flavorful meal that fits perfectly into busy schedules. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, it brings rich, homemade warmth to the table. Enjoy it freshly made or reheated—it’s delicious every time.

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