There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of soup, and when it’s a creamy, cheesy, and veggie-filled masterpiece like this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, it becomes an instant comfort food classic. This easy-to-make soup brings together fresh broccoli, carrots, and a rich cheddar base, all slow-cooked in a Crockpot for a hassle-free, hearty meal. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. With its velvety texture, savory flavor, and satisfying combination of vegetables and cheese, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Slow Cooker Convenience

This recipe is made entirely in the Crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it. It requires minimal hands-on time, making it a great option for busy days or when you want a comforting meal with little effort.

2. Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

The combination of cream cheese, milk, and cheddar creates a rich and creamy soup with the perfect amount of cheesiness to keep you coming back for more.

3. Packed with Vegetables

Broccoli and carrots make this soup not only hearty but also nutrient-packed, providing fiber and essential vitamins in every spoonful.

4. Customizable Texture

Whether you prefer a chunky soup or a smoother texture, this recipe can easily be adjusted. Blend as much or as little as you like for the ideal consistency.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for several days, and it can be reheated easily, making it ideal for meal prep or as a comforting lunch the next day.

Ingredients

For the Soup

Broccoli florets
Chopped onion
Shredded carrots
Cream cheese
Minced garlic
Nutmeg
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cornstarch
Chicken broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Milk

Variations

Vegan Version: Use a plant-based cream cheese, non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and dairy-free cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version of this soup.
Add Potatoes: For a more traditional potato-based soup, feel free to add peeled and chopped potatoes to the Crockpot.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the soup.
Herbs: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary for an herbal twist that pairs beautifully with the cheesy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them in the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic to the Crockpot as well.

Step 2: Mix the Broth

In a large bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture over the vegetables in the Crockpot and stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover and cook the soup on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, leaving some chunks of broccoli and carrots if you prefer a more rustic soup.

Step 5: Add the Dairy

Reduce the heat to LOW, then add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and the soup is creamy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will yield the best texture and flavor, but frozen broccoli can also be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Slow Cooker Variations: For more intense flavor, you can sauté the onion and garlic before adding them to the Crockpot to bring out their sweetness.
Blending Tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be sure to allow it to cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

How to Serve

This soup is perfect on its own as a cozy, comforting meal, but you can elevate it with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad. It’s also great for dipping grilled cheese sandwiches or even stuffed bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk if it’s become too thick.

Freezing

To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop, adding extra milk to adjust the consistency.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw it before adding it to the Crockpot for better texture.

2. Can I use half-and-half instead of milk?

Yes, half-and-half will work great and add extra creaminess to the soup. You can also use heavy cream for an even richer result.

3. How do I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, use more cornstarch or let the soup cook for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

4. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, adding diced potatoes can make this soup heartier. You can add them along with the other vegetables and cook them until tender.

5. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a bit of heat.

6. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

7. What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the soup.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option.

9. How do I prevent the cheese from curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure to add the cheese when the soup is on low heat, and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted.

10. Can I add meat to this soup?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage to make this soup even heartier.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate cozy dish that combines simple ingredients with deliciously creamy results. The slow-cooked flavor, melted cheese, and tender vegetables make for a heartwarming meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it for the week, this soup is sure to bring comfort to your table with every bite.