Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A warm, creamy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup that combines tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese into a comforting one-pot meal. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, this soup offers a rich, velvety texture and wholesome flavors perfect for chilly evenings or casual family dinners.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
For the Roux and Cream Base
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF)
- 2 cups milk or cream (full-fat preferred)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the veggies: Wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and cut the broccoli into small florets to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture.
- Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent; this step deepens the soup’s flavor.
- Combine ingredients in the crockpot: Add the potatoes, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, and broth into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper for initial seasoning.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the broccoli is soft but not mushy.
- Create the creamy base: In a small saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk to make a smooth roux-based sauce; this will thicken the soup once combined.
- Blend and add cheese: Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy yet chunky texture, then stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed, then ladle it into bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar: Opt for a good-quality sharp cheddar to maximize flavor impact without extra fat.
- Don’t over-blend: Keep some texture by only partially blending; this keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Prep ingredients the night before: To save time in the morning, chop veggies and sauté aromatics ahead of time.
- Add cheese last: Stir cheese in off heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or oily.
- Use full-fat dairy: For richest texture, full-fat milk or cream provides the best silky mouthfeel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: crockpot soup, broccoli cheddar soup, potato soup, slow cooker recipe, creamy soup, comfort food