Introduction to Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Craving a cozy, creamy soup that warms you from the inside out? Look no further than Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup! This delectable slow-cooked dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending the heartiness of potatoes, the nutritional benefits of broccoli, and the rich creaminess of cheddar cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a crockpot, you can enjoy a homemade soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredient list. Broccoli florets provide a nutritious boost, offering a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The combination of potatoes and cream cheese creates a velvety, creamy texture that envelops each spoonful. Shredded cheddar cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, adding a cheesy richness that’s simply irresistible.
Beyond the primary ingredients, minced garlic and a touch of nutmeg provide subtle layers of flavor, while cornstarch helps to thicken the soup to the perfect consistency. The chicken broth serves as the base, bringing it all together for a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Preparation Steps
The beauty of this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Start by roughly chopping the broccoli florets and placing them in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic, creating a flavorful foundation.
In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and let the soup cook, allowing the flavors to meld and the broccoli to become tender.
For a silkier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, leaving some chunks if desired. This step helps to create a cohesive, creamy consistency throughout the dish.
Cooking Instructions
Once the broccoli is tender, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely, resulting in a perfectly smooth and cheesy soup.
The total cooking time for this recipe can vary depending on your crockpot settings. For best results, cook the soup on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender and the flavors have had time to meld together.
Flavor Enhancements
While the Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to enhance the flavors even further. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chives, crumbled bacon, or toasted croutons as toppings for a boost of texture and additional savory notes. For a little kick, you could also stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
- Creamy Steak Pasta
- Baked Pork Tenderloin
FAQs about Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Can I add protein to the Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, you can definitely add protein to this soup to make it more filling. Cooked, diced chicken or turkey can be added for a meaty option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian protein source, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas. If you want to keep it simple, you can also stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken just before serving. Be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if the protein is pre-seasoned.
What is the best way to reheat leftover Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
The best way to reheat leftover soup is to do so on the stovetop over medium heat. This allows for even heating and helps to preserve the soup’s texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to do so in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
How can I thicken the soup without using cornstarch?
If you prefer to avoid cornstarch, there are several alternatives to thicken your soup. You can mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher to create a creamier texture. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender, then return it to the pot. You can also add more cream cheese or even a bit of pureed cauliflower for added thickness without altering the flavor significantly.
What can I serve with Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fresh salad, such as a simple mixed greens or Caesar salad, complements the soup nicely. Additionally, warm, crusty bread or a bread bowl is perfect for dipping. If you want something heartier, consider serving it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a quesadilla. These options enhance the comfort food experience and round out your meal beautifully.
Conclusion
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a true culinary delight that brings together the best of comfort food. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and nutritious ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a recipe you’ll want to add to your repertoire. So, grab your slow cooker, gather the simple ingredients, and let the magic of this comforting soup unfold in your kitchen.
For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Discover the Ultimate Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a true culinary delight that brings together the best of comfort food. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and nutritious ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic to the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with the nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Cover and let the soup cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours until the broccoli is tender.
- For a silkier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, leaving some chunks if desired.
- Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt completely.
Notes
Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chives, crumbled bacon, or toasted croutons as toppings for added texture. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg