Cozy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Cozy winter nights call for a hearty potato broccoli cheddar soup that wraps you in warmth from the first spoonful.

comfort meets nutrition in this creamy blend of vibrant green vegetables and smooth potato chunks.

Rich, velvety textures dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the silky base, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Nutritious broccoli adds a subtle earthiness that balances the cheese’s bold character.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver a soul-satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

You will want to savor every spoonful of this delectable soup that promises to chase away the winter chill.

Grab a ladle and let the deliciousness begin!

Reheating Broccoli Potato Soup Easily

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
• Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Best Matches for Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Pair with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Slice thick pieces of crusty sourdough bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all the cheesy goodness and adding a tangy texture contrast.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Match with Chardonnay or Pale Ale: Select a buttery Chardonnay with subtle oak notes or a crisp pale ale to balance the soup's creamy texture and enhance its savory flavors.
• Garnish with Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles on top of the soup for an extra layer of smoky flavor and crunchy texture that elevates the entire dish.

Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Cozy Blends

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients for a plant-based version of the soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the chicken or vegetable broth and cheese for any gluten-containing additives.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to replace cheddar cheese, creating a vegan-friendly version of the soup.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing, ensuring it’s chopped into small florets.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

No, the current recipe uses chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the fat content while maintaining great flavor.

• What's the best way to get a creamy texture without blending?

If you prefer chunky soup, use a potato masher to partially mash some potatoes, which will naturally thicken and create a creamier consistency.

Comfort in a Crock – Why Potato Broccoli Soup Hits the Spot

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming basic components into a delectable soup with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers warm, creamy goodness packed with nutritious vegetables and hearty potatoes, perfect for chilly days or when craving a satisfying meal.
• Flexible Customization: Easily adapt the recipe by blending to your preferred texture, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra toppings like crispy bacon or green onions for personal flair.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein-rich cheese, fiber-packed broccoli, and filling potatoes into a balanced meal that nourishes and delights the entire family with minimal cleanup.

Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Crockpot) Ingredients

• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base for the soup, provides sweet undertone.
• Garlic: Enhances overall flavor profile with robust, pungent notes.
• Potatoes: Starchy vegetable that creates thick, creamy soup texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color.

• Chicken Broth: Primary liquid base that provides savory foundation.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and subtle spiciness.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements vegetable flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates rich, creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and increases soup's richness.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables, provides light cooking base.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh, bright finishing touch.

Potato Broccoli Soup Slow Cooker Guide

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently cook chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Transfer Ingredients to Crockpot

Move the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker.

• Diced potatoes
• Broccoli florets
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours until potatoes become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into your preferred consistency.

If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half the soup to a standard blender, blend until smooth, then return to the crockpot.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Heavy cream

Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper to suit your palate.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.

Optional garnishes include extra shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley sprinkled on top.

Crockpot Tips for Broccoli Potato Cheddar Soup

• Control the soup's consistency by choosing how much you blend. Leave some chunks for texture or puree completely for a smooth experience.
• Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a silky, creamy texture without graininess.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Experiment with cauliflower or zucchini as alternative vegetables.
• Use less expensive cheese like mild cheddar or blend different affordable cheeses to reduce overall cost without compromising flavor.
• Mix in cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and a satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.

Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup melts hearts with its creamy, cheesy embrace from classic American kitchens. Rich ingredients simmer slowly, promising a warm welcome that satisfies winter hunger and brings smiles to hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize onions and garlic in a skillet with olive oil, releasing their aromatic essence and developing a rich foundational flavor for the soup.
2. Transfer the fragrant aromatics to the crockpot and combine with robust ingredients: chunky potato cubes, vibrant broccoli florets, savory chicken broth, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
3. Allow the crockpot to work its magic, slow-cooking the ingredients on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until potatoes become tender and break down easily.
4. Transform the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to create a velvety consistency, selecting between a silky smooth or slightly rustic blend based on personal preference.
5. Introduce creamy richness by incorporating shredded cheddar cheese and luxurious heavy cream, stirring gently to ensure smooth integration and allowing the cheese to melt completely.
6. Fine-tune the flavor profile by tasting and adjusting seasonings, ensuring a perfectly balanced and nuanced soup experience.
7. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with additional sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by caramelizing onions slightly longer for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or smoked cheddar for unique flavor variations.
• For gluten-free version, ensure chicken broth is gluten-free and skip flour-based thickeners.
• Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives like milk or Greek yogurt.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 80mg