Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe

This Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and packed with veggies that sneak in some goodness without sacrificing flavor. I love pulling this together when I want comfort food that mostly takes care of itself while I handle my day. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend afternoons.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how this Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe combines simple ingredients into something that tastes way more gourmet than it really is. The blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese gives it a velvety richness, while the tender broccoli and carrots add a fresh pop. It’s especially great when you want cozy without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients complement each other beautifully, creating a soup that’s hearty and satisfying without being heavy. When shopping, look for quality cheese and fresh broccoli for the best flavor.

• Frozen shredded hash browns: They’re your secret potato base—easy to prep and they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh works best here—chop them finely so they soften evenly and blend right into the soup.
• Shredded carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and color; no peeling required if you buy pre-shredded!
• Shallot or small onion: For a mild savory depth, I prefer shallots—they melt into the soup nicely.
• Gluten-free chicken broth: Gives a flavorful, savory base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Arla Herbs & Spices cream cheese: This cream cheese adds smooth richness and a hint of herbs; regular cream cheese works in a pinch.
• Milk (2% or higher): Helps make the soup creamy—whole milk will make it extra indulgent.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese here—opt for good quality for sharp, melty goodness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all those flavors—season to your taste as it cooks.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge—this Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe is really forgiving when it comes to customizing. Feel free to experiment with ingredients to make it your own.

• Variation: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. I did this once and was surprised by how just as cozy it felt!
• Variation: Throw in some cooked bacon bits or diced ham if you want extra smoky flavor. It adds a lovely savory layer that’s perfect for a chilly night.
• Variation: Add some garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick—one of my favorite little flavor boosters.
• Variation: Use half and half instead of milk for a super creamy texture, but remember it’ll be richer—so no guilt, just deliciousness!

How to Make Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Cheese

Start by chopping your broccoli into small florets and shredding the carrots if needed. This helps everything cook evenly in the slow cooker. I like to chop my shallot finely too—it really blends into the soup without little chunks. Measure out your cheeses so everything’s ready to add when it’s time.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Pour the chicken broth into the crock pot first, then add your thawed hash browns, chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and shallot. Stir gently to combine everything. Adding the cream cheese and half of the cheddar now helps them melt slowly into the soup, giving it that creamy, cheesy base you’re looking for.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crock pot to low and cook for about 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. You want the potatoes tender and the broccoli soft. I always check at the lower end of cooking time to make sure it’s not overcooked or too watery—give it a good stir and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Finish with Milk and Cheese

Just before serving, stir in the milk and the rest of your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This step makes your soup perfectly creamy and cheesy without overheating the milk (which can curdle). If you want it thicker, let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes after adding the milk.

How to Serve Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with extra shredded cheddar for an ooey-gooey texture, and chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Sometimes I add crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream if I want to get fancy. It’s those simple garnishes that make it feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast—perfect for dipping. A fresh green salad on the side balances the richness and rounds out the meal. When I make this for family, I usually whip up a batch of cornbread too; it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls—your guests love the presentation and the edible bowl doubles the carbs, but hey, celebration calories count! You could also garnish with thinly sliced radishes or a swirl of pesto for a colorful twist that impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find letting it cool before sealing prevents sogginess. When you reheat, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore that perfect creamy consistency since it thickens in the fridge.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well, but I recommend leaving out the milk and cheese during the initial cook if you’re planning to freeze. When thawed, just add fresh milk and cheddar, then warm it up slowly. I do this all the time for easy weeknight meals, and it still tastes great!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. This keeps the soup smooth and creamy. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir midway to avoid hot spots or curdling cheese.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s reliable comfort food with very little fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy, it’ll warm you up and fill your kitchen with the best aroma. Give it a try—you’ll end up loving how simple ingredients come together to create such a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed meal without hours in the kitchen.

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