Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups (200g) fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (475ml) milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
- Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, extra cheese, chopped chives
Instructions
- Assemble the Base:
- Add the diced potatoes, broccoli, onion, carrots, garlic, broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to your crock pot.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and veggies are tender.
- Blend (Optional):
- For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot. If you like it chunky, skip this step.
- Add Milk and Cheese:
- Whisk the flour into the milk (if using for thickening) and stir it into the crock pot.
- Add the butter and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—crispy bacon, extra cheese, or fresh chives for a pop of flavor and color.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor—it’s the star of the dish.
- Cut the potatoes and veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking.
DON’T:
- Add the cheese too early; it can get grainy if cooked too long.
- Forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Pro Tips:
- Substitute frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available; add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it bright and tender.
- If the soup is too thick for your liking, stir in a little extra broth or milk.
This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is pure comfort food bliss. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with veggies, making it the perfect warm-up meal for chilly days. Just set it, forget it, and let the crock pot work its magic! 🥔🥦🧀
