Description
This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for cozy evenings. Loaded with tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, it simmers slowly in a crockpot to blend all the flavors perfectly. The soup is easy to prepare, making it an ideal meal for busy days, and can be customized with optional toppings like croutons, green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
Optional Toppings
- Croutons
- Chopped green onions
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, fresh broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to evenly mix all the ingredients.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your preferred consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving the rest with chunks of vegetables.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, topping with extra shredded cheese and your choice of optional toppings such as croutons, chopped green onions, or bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with milk.
- The soup can be thickened by blending more or all of the ingredients to create a creamier texture.
- Make sure not to over-blend if you prefer some chunky vegetables for texture.
- Vegetarian option: omit bacon bits or use vegetarian bacon substitutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
