Cozy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe for Chilly Days
Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when this hearty crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup enters the scene.
Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender vegetables and sharp cheese flavors.
Slow cooking releases incredible depth, melding each ingredient into a harmonious symphony of taste.
The robust soup promises a delightful meal that warms from the inside out.
Nutritious broccoli and smooth potatoes create a perfect base for this cheesy delight.
Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this simple, comforting recipe.
Let’s find out a bowl of pure culinary bliss that will surely become your new cold-weather favorite.
Serving Hot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Comfort Corner Companions
Pair this hearty soup with warm, crusty sourdough bread slices for dipping and soaking up all those rich, cheesy flavors. The contrast between creamy soup and crispy bread creates a delightful texture experience.
Protein Power-Up
Enhance the meal by adding crispy bacon crumbles or diced rotisserie chicken on top of each serving. These protein additions transform the soup from a simple side dish into a satisfying main course that keeps hunger at bay.
Green Goodness Garnish
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives across the soup's surface for a bright, zesty finish. These vibrant green herbs not only add visual appeal but also introduce a subtle oniony freshness that complements the creamy base.
Side Salad Sensation
Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. The crisp, acidic salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy soup and creates a well-rounded meal experience.
Storage Advice for Crockpot Soup Leftovers
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
Quick Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals.
Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated soup overnight in the fridge. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency if needed.
Batch Preparation Hack: Double the recipe and portion into individual servings. Label containers with date and contents for easy meal planning. Perfect for busy weeknights or lunch meal prep when time is tight.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal
Servings: 7
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Ingredients
For Base and Flavor:
Frozen Broccoli: Convenient vegetable packed with nutrients, choose a high-quality brand with minimal ice crystals.
Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create creamy texture, select firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
Yellow Onion: Adds deep savory undertones, pick firm onions with dry, papery skin.
Garlic: Enhances overall depth of flavor, choose plump cloves without soft spots or sprouting.
For Creamy Binding:
Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides silky consistency and rich background flavor, select low-sodium versions for better control.
Flour: Helps thicken soup and prevent separation, use fresh, well-stored all-purpose flour.
Butter: Contributes richness and helps develop initial cooking flavors, opt for unsalted for precise seasoning.
For Richness and Protein:
Velveeta Cheese: Melts smoothly and adds classic cheesy comfort, select full-fat version for best texture.
Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base with subtle protein undertones, choose low-sodium for healthier option.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning, use freshly ground pepper for more vibrant taste.
Tools for Slow Cooking Broccoli Potato Soup
Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Essential large appliance for slow, even cooking of the soup.
Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining cream soups, broth, and seasonings smoothly.
Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients without lumps and creating a silky sauce.
Cutting Board: Needed for dicing potatoes and chopping onions safely.
Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable preparation and ingredient cutting.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gentle stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into individual bowls.
How to Make Cheddar Soup with Potato & Broccoli
Slow Cooker Setup The foundation of your delightful soup begins with arranging russet potatoes, yellow onions, and broccoli florets inside your trusty crockpot. Scatter butter and cheese cubes across the vegetables for extra richness.
Magical Liquid Blend Whisk together a smooth symphony of creamy soups, chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings. This liquid gold will transform simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that warms your soul.
Gentle Cooking Rhythm Cover your crockpot and let the slow magic happen. Allow ingredients to mingle and dance on low heat for several hours, occasionally stirring to prevent any cheese from getting too cozy at the bottom.
Taste and Texture Check After cooking, ensure potatoes and broccoli have reached perfect tenderness. Taste and adjust seasonings to create your ideal flavor profile.
Final Flourish Ladle the soup into welcoming bowls. Enhance with a sprinkle of extra cheddar, crispy bacon bits, or fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread for a complete comfort food experience that hugs you from the inside out.
Crockpot Soup Tips and Variations
Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
Toss in extra vegetables like diced carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to boost nutrition and add more color and texture to your soup.
This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
Transform this soup into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, ham, or crispy bacon bits. For vegetarian options, throw in some white beans or tofu for extra protein.
Create a thicker soup by mashing some potatoes directly in the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamier texture while keeping some vegetable chunks intact.
Hearty crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup brings comfort and warmth to winter meals. Creamy Wisconsin cheddar and tender vegetables blend perfectly for a satisfying lunch or dinner companion that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
32 oz (907 g) frozen broccoli
2 russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
16 oz (454 g) Velveeta cheese (cubed)
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 yellow onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsps butter
1 tsp flour
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Prep Base: Layer diced russet potatoes and chopped yellow onion evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a foundational vegetable mixture.
Add Vegetables and Cheese: Spread frozen broccoli florets uniformly over potato layer, then distribute cubed Velveeta cheese and unsalted butter across the vegetables to infuse rich flavor and creamy texture.
Create Liquid Mixture: In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, minced garlic, chicken broth, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until achieving a smooth, well-integrated consistency.
Combine and Cook: Pour the creamy liquid mixture over vegetable layers, ensuring complete coating, then cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent cheese from adhering and promote even melting.
Check and Season: Evaluate potato and broccoli tenderness by fork-testing, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary to enhance overall taste profile.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle piping hot soup into serving bowls, topping with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and optional crispy bacon bits for added depth and textural contrast, accompanied by crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
Potato Precision: Choose russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup and creates a creamy consistency.
Cheese Melting Magic: Cubed Velveeta melts smoothly, preventing clumping and ensuring a velvety, uniform cheese distribution throughout the soup.
Slow Cooking Secret: Stir occasionally to prevent cheese from sticking and to promote even melting, creating a rich and consistent flavor profile.
Garnish Game: Top with extra shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, and crispy bacon to elevate the soup’s taste and add exciting texture contrasts.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.