Description
This comforting Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup combines tender potatoes and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy broth, perfect for a cozy meal with minimal prep and slow cooking that melds the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups diced potatoes 🥔
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets 🥦
- 1 small diced onion 🧅
- 3 cloves minced garlic 🧄
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 🍲
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half 🥛
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
Thickener
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water (to make cornstarch slurry)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌶️
- ½ tsp dried thyme 🌿
Optional Garnishes
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Add to Crockpot: Combine the diced potatoes, chopped broccoli florets, diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Blend: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the Crockpot until smooth. Alternatively, for a chunkier texture, mash the vegetables lightly with a potato masher instead of blending completely.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the milk or half-and-half, butter, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the blended soup. Prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until smooth, then add this slurry to the soup to help thicken it.
- Cook to Thicken: Allow the soup to continue cooking in the Crockpot on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the cheese melt thoroughly and the soup thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy this warm, comforting soup fresh from the Crockpot.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- For a richer soup, substitute half-and-half for milk.
- Immersion blending creates a smoother texture; mashing yields a chunkier consistency.
- Garnishes such as bacon and sour cream add flavor and texture but can be omitted for a lighter option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
