Nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy soup on a chilly evening, and this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is pure comfort food. Made with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy broth, it’s rich, satisfying, and super easy to make.
With just a little prep in the morning, your slow cooker will do the rest—delivering a thick, cheesy soup that tastes like it came from a cozy café. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, meal prep lunch, or something the whole family will enjoy, this soup checks all the boxes.
Ingredients:
4 cups diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)
- Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Place the diced potatoes, broccoli, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika into a 6-quart crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Step 2: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and broccoli are soft and easily mashed.
Step 3: Blend (Optional)
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Or transfer 2 cups of soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and stir back in.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Cream
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the cream (if using flour). Stir the mixture into the soup. Add butter and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on HIGH to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Variation:
- Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip bacon toppings.
- Use cauliflower: Swap some or all of the potatoes for cauliflower for fewer carbs.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or crispy bacon.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
COOKING Note:
Always add cheese and cream at the end to prevent curdling. Sharp cheddar melts best when added slowly and stirred in gradually. If reheating, do so over low heat to maintain a creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side salad: Balance the richness with a fresh green salad.
- Soup in a bread bowl: For a fun and hearty presentation.
- Toppings bar: Set out sour cream, extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.
Tips:
- Don’t over-blend if you want a chunky soup.
- Pre-shred your cheese from a block for better melting (bagged cheese often has anti-caking agents).
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days—flavors deepen overnight!
- Freeze soup before adding cream and cheese, then stir them in when reheating.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~7 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per 1½-cup serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~390
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sodium: ~740mg
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~3g
Values vary based on ingredients and toppings.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, add it during the last 2 hours so it doesn’t overcook.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk (like coconut cream or oat milk). The flavor will change slightly but still be creamy.
Do I have to use flour to thicken it?
- No. The potatoes naturally thicken the soup. Use flour only if you want it extra thick.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
- Yes! Simmer in a large pot for 25–30 minutes until veggies are tender, then blend and stir in cream and cheese.
Will kids like it?
- Most kids love the cheesy flavor! It’s a great way to sneak in veggies.
Conclusion:
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate feel-good meal—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with nourishing vegetables. It’s simple to prep, perfect for busy weeknights, and endlessly customizable to your taste or diet.
With each spoonful of velvety cheddar and hearty potatoes, this soup delivers the kind of warmth that makes any day better