Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the embodiment of effortless comfort food. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of creamy cheddar, tender broccoli, and hearty potatoes, all simmered to perfection in your crock pot. This soup is a warm, welcoming hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy weekend lunch.
This recipe is designed for simplicity and convenience without sacrificing flavor. The crock pot does all the work, allowing you to set it and forget it while you go about your day. It’s an ideal solution for busy individuals and families who crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
Beyond its ease of preparation, this soup is incredibly versatile and satisfying. It’s a dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, blending the familiar flavors of cheddar cheese and potatoes with the wholesome goodness of broccoli. Prepare to fall in love with a soup that is both nourishing and deeply comforting.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this comforting Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you’ll need a selection of simple, wholesome ingredients. These components work together beautifully in the slow cooker to develop rich flavors and a creamy texture. Having everything measured and ready will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
For the base of the soup, you will need 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices as they become wonderfully tender and contribute to the soup’s creamy consistency. Ensure the potatoes are diced into uniform pieces for even cooking in the crock pot.
To add a vibrant and healthy element, you’ll need 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets. Fresh broccoli florets provide a slightly earthy and fresh counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and potatoes. You can also use frozen broccoli florets if fresh is not available, though fresh broccoli offers a slightly better texture.
Onions form the aromatic foundation of this soup. You will need 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Yellow onions bring a mild sweetness that mellows beautifully during slow cooking, creating a subtle depth of flavor throughout the soup. Finely dicing the onion ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the soup.
Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup. You’ll need 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced. Diced carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and a pleasing texture that complements the potatoes and broccoli. They also add a beautiful vibrant color to the finished soup.
Garlic is essential for a savory depth of flavor. You will need 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic note that enhances the overall savory profile of the potato broccoli cheddar soup. Mincing the garlic finely releases its oils and ensures even distribution of flavor.
Chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup. You’ll need 6 cups of chicken broth. A good quality chicken broth is crucial as it infuses the soup with a savory depth. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt level and allow the other flavors to shine. Vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian version.
For creamy richness, you will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened. Softened cream cheese is key to achieving the signature creamy and velvety texture of this soup. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the crock pot for smooth incorporation.
Cheddar cheese is essential for the classic cheesy flavor. You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup. However, you can use mild or a blend of cheddar types to customize the cheese flavor to your preference.
Butter adds richness and flavor depth. You’ll need 1/4 cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter. Butter enhances the overall richness and savory depth of the soup, complementing the cheese and vegetables beautifully. Unsalted butter allows for better control over the final saltiness of the dish.
Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the best flavors. You will need salt and black pepper to taste. Seasoning at each stage, especially towards the end of cooking, is essential for a well-balanced and flavorful soup. Start with a teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and adjust as needed.
HOW TO MAKE “Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup”:
Making Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an incredibly simple and hands-off process, perfect for busy days. The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow cooker, which gently simmers all the ingredients together, melding their flavors into a harmonious and comforting soup. Let’s embark on this effortless culinary journey.
The process begins by layering all the vegetables – potatoes, broccoli, onions, and carrots – into the crock pot. This creates a hearty and wholesome base for the soup. These vegetables will slowly cook until tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
Next, garlic, butter, and chicken broth are added to the crock pot, infusing the vegetables with savory richness and providing the liquid base for the soup. These ingredients work in harmony to create a flavorful and aromatic simmering environment. The butter adds depth, while the garlic infuses a savory note.
Finally, towards the end of the cooking time, cream cheese and cheddar cheese are stirred into the crock pot, transforming the vegetable and broth mixture into a creamy, cheesy delight. This final step is what gives the soup its signature rich and comforting texture and flavor. Let’s explore the detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you through this effortless recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Combine Vegetables in Crock Pot.
Begin by placing the cubed potatoes into the bottom of your crock pot. The potatoes form the base of the soup and will cook slowly until tender.
Layer the broccoli florets over the potatoes in the crock pot. This ensures that all vegetables are evenly distributed and will cook uniformly.
Add the diced yellow onion and diced carrots to the crock pot, layering them over the broccoli. These vegetables will contribute to the flavor and texture of the soup as they slow cook.
Step 2: Add Garlic, Butter, and Broth.
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables in the crock pot. The garlic will infuse its savory aroma into the vegetables and broth as it cooks.
Add the unsalted butter to the crock pot, distributing it evenly over the vegetables. The butter will melt and enrich the soup as it slowly cooks.
Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables, garlic, and butter in the crock pot. Ensure the broth covers the vegetables adequately to facilitate proper simmering.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Slow cooking on low heat for a longer period allows for maximum flavor development and tender vegetables. Cooking on high heat will expedite the process but still yield a delicious soup.
The potatoes should be very tender and easily mashed with a spoon when the soup is ready. This indicates that the vegetables are fully cooked and ready for the final creamy and cheesy additions.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese.
Once the vegetables are cooked and tender, stir in the softened cream cheese into the crock pot. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy and smooth incorporation into the hot soup.
Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. This step transforms the broth and vegetable mixture into a luxuriously creamy base for the cheddar cheese.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the crock pot. Stir continuously until the cheddar cheese is fully melted and the soup is cheesy and uniformly smooth. Adding the cheddar cheese last ensures it melts beautifully and doesn’t become grainy.
Step 5: Season and Serve.
Season the Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper, then adjust seasoning according to your preference. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls. This comforting soup is best enjoyed warm and fresh from the crock pot.
Garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese or fresh chives, if desired. These garnishes enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor of the soup. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness of your homemade Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
USEFUL TIPS:
To ensure your Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying this comforting dish. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your soup-making process.
For a richer flavor base, sauté the onions and carrots in butter before adding them to the crock pot. Sautéing the onions and carrots in butter over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized will deepen their flavor and add an extra layer of complexity to the soup. This extra step, though optional, significantly enhances the soup’s overall taste.
If you prefer a smoother soup texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup directly in the crock pot. Blending a portion of the soup will create a creamier texture while still leaving some chunks of vegetables for heartiness. Be careful when using an immersion blender in a crock pot, and ensure the soup is not too full to prevent splashing.
Alternatively, for a completely smooth soup, you can transfer batches of the soup to a regular blender and blend until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, be cautious when blending hot liquids. Vent the blender lid slightly to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup. Blend in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.
For a more pronounced garlic flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the crock pot. Roasted garlic has a mellower, sweeter, and more nuanced garlic flavor. To roast garlic, wrap whole garlic heads in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the crock pot for a deeper garlic flavor.
To enhance the cheesy flavor, use a combination of cheddar cheeses. Using both sharp cheddar and mild cheddar will create a more balanced and complex cheese flavor profile. Sharp cheddar provides a bold tang, while mild cheddar offers a creamy melt and subtle flavor.
For a smoky cheese note, consider using smoked cheddar cheese in place of some of the regular cheddar. Smoked cheddar imparts a delicious smoky flavor that complements the potatoes and broccoli beautifully. It adds an extra layer of depth and interest to the cheese flavor.
To add a touch of heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the soup during the last hour of cooking. Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth that balances the richness of the cheese and cream without making the soup overly spicy. Start with a small pinch and adjust to your preference for spiciness.
If you find the soup is too thick after cooking, you can thin it out by adding a little extra chicken broth or milk. Add the liquid gradually, stirring after each addition, until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Be mindful not to add too much liquid, as it can dilute the flavor.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
The preparation time for Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to peel and cube the potatoes, chop the broccoli, dice the onions and carrots, mince the garlic, and measure out the cheese and cream cheese. Efficient prep work ensures a smooth and quick start to the slow cooking process.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
The cooking time for this recipe varies depending on your crock pot setting. Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours allows for maximum flavor development and tender vegetables. Cooking on high heat for 3-4 hours is a quicker option, suitable for when you have less time, but low and slow cooking is generally preferred for crock pot soups.
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes on low, or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes on high
The total time from start to finish for Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup ranges from approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes, depending on your chosen crock pot setting. This includes both the prep time and the cooking time, making it a predominantly hands-off recipe, ideal for setting up in the morning and enjoying in the evening.
Yield: 6-8 servings
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 generous servings. It’s ideally suited for feeding a family or a small group. The yield can be easily adjusted by scaling the ingredients up or down to accommodate different serving sizes. Leftovers are also excellent, making it great for meal prepping.
Category: Soup
This dish is categorized as soup. It’s a hearty and comforting soup, perfect for a main course, especially during colder months, or as a satisfying starter. Soup is a versatile category, and this crock pot version makes it incredibly convenient and easy to prepare.
Method: Crock Pot
The primary cooking method used in this recipe is crock pot cooking, also known as slow cooking. The crock pot method gently simmers the ingredients over a long period, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeply. This hands-off cooking method is ideal for busy lifestyles and results in a tender and flavorful soup.
Cuisine: American
The cuisine of this recipe is best described as American. It features familiar and comforting flavors and ingredients commonly enjoyed in American cuisine, such as potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Potato broccoli cheddar soup is a classic American comfort food, beloved for its creamy and cheesy nature.
Diet: Not specified
The diet classification for this recipe is not specifically limited. However, it can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences with some modifications. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese, and consider using milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients, especially the broth, are gluten-free.
NOTES:
This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is even more satisfying when served with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls. The bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and complements its rich flavors and textures. Consider serving with sourdough bread, French baguette slices, or soft dinner rolls.
Leftovers of this soup store remarkably well in the refrigerator. Simply place any remaining soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly after it has cooled down completely. Properly stored leftovers can be enjoyed for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration ensures food safety and preserves the soup’s quality and flavor.
When reheating leftovers, you can use either a microwave or a stovetop. For stovetop reheating, gently heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For microwave reheating, heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Stovetop reheating is generally recommended for maintaining the best texture and preventing separation.
Feel free to customize the toppings for this Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup to your liking. In addition to extra shredded cheddar cheese and fresh chives, consider adding bacon bits (turkey bacon for a non-pork option), sour cream or plain yogurt, croutons, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor and visual appeal. Toppings allow for personalizing the soup and enhancing its presentation.
For added flavor complexity, consider incorporating other vegetables into the soup. Sautéed leeks, celery, or cauliflower can be added along with the onions and carrots to build a more layered and nuanced flavor profile. These additions can also boost the nutritional value of the soup.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets instead of fresh broccoli in this recipe. Use the same amount of frozen broccoli as fresh broccoli, about 1 large head. There’s no need to thaw frozen broccoli before adding it to the crock pot. Frozen broccoli is a convenient and readily available alternative to fresh broccoli.
Can I use milk instead of cream cheese?
For a lighter soup, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of cream cheese, but the texture will be less creamy and rich. If using milk or half-and-half, add it during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling, and stir it in gently. Cream cheese is essential for achieving the signature creamy texture of this recipe.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the soup completely and then keep it warm in the crock pot on the “warm” setting for up to 2-3 hours before serving. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it overnight and reheat it the next day. Making it ahead of time can actually enhance the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld.
Can I freeze leftover potato broccoli cheddar soup?
Freezing dairy-based soups can sometimes alter the texture due to the dairy content. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese may become slightly grainy or separate upon thawing and reheating. However, if you do freeze leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled first and stored in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring frequently. The texture might be slightly altered, but it will still be safe to eat and generally still quite enjoyable.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, you can add cooked meat to this soup to make it even heartier. Cooked and crumbled turkey ham, shredded chicken, or cooked ground lamb would all be delicious additions. Stir in the cooked meat during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat it through. Adding meat transforms this soup into a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature first. Cooling it before refrigeration prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can help maintain the soup’s quality and texture. Do not leave cooked soup at room temperature for more than two hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Once cooled, transfer the leftover soup to an airtight container. Ensure the container is properly sealed to prevent drying out and to maintain freshness during storage in the refrigerator. Using an airtight container is crucial for preserving the flavor and texture of the soup.
Store the airtight container of leftover soup in the refrigerator. Refrigerate promptly after cooling to maintain food safety and prevent spoilage. Leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Always consume leftovers within this timeframe for optimal quality and safety.
For best reheating results, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently while reheating to ensure even heating and to recombine any ingredients that may have settled during storage. If the soup becomes too thick upon reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup during reheating, as this can affect the texture of the dairy.
RELATED RECIPES
If you enjoyed this Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, you will surely love these other comforting and cheesy soup recipes:
Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons.
A classic and comforting tomato soup elevated with playful grilled cheese croutons. This soup and sandwich pairing offers a delightful combination of creamy tomato flavor and cheesy, buttery crunch. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
Classic French Onion Soup with Gruyere Croutons.
A deeply flavorful and rich onion soup with caramelized onions simmered in savory broth, topped with toasted bread and melted Gruyere cheese. This French classic is elegant and comforting, perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated starter.
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup with Bacon Bits.
A velvety smooth and cheesy soup featuring cauliflower as the star vegetable, enriched with cheddar cheese and topped with savory bacon bits (turkey bacon for a non-pork option). This soup is a delicious and lower-carb alternative to potato soup, offering a creamy and cheesy comfort.
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Sherry and Herbs.
A luxurious and earthy soup featuring sautéed mushrooms in a rich and creamy base, subtly flavored with sherry and fresh herbs. This mushroom soup is elegant and flavorful, perfect as a starter or a light lunch.
CONCLUSION
Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of home cooking. From its effortless preparation in the crock pot to its deeply comforting and cheesy flavor, this soup is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and your dining table. It’s a recipe that truly delivers on both convenience and heartwarming satisfaction.
This recipe offers a delightful combination of wholesome vegetables, creamy texture, and classic cheddar cheese flavor, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to the magic of the crock pot. The straightforward steps and readily available ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you can confidently create this delicious and comforting soup.
So gather your ingredients, set up your crock pot, and prepare to indulge in the creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness of this Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup masterpiece. Enjoy the effortless process of slow cooking and the pleasure of sharing this heartwarming meal with family and friends. Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is sure to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire, perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting, easy, and utterly delicious soup.
