Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup

This Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers big on flavor. With tender broccoli, hearty hash browns, and rich cheddar cheese, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let the crock pot do the work for a hands-off meal.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with vegetables, potatoes, and cheese, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a family or serving at gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
• 3 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 shallot or ½ small onion, chopped
• 3 cups gluten-free chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese (Arla Herbs & Spices recommended)
• 1 cup milk (2% or higher)
• 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the Vegetables

1. Add the hash browns, broccoli, carrots, shallot, and chicken broth to a 6-quart crock pot. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the broccoli is very tender.

Blend and Thicken

3. Add the cream cheese, milk, and about 1/3 of the cooked vegetables to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   • Tip: Blend in batches if your blender is small and avoid overfilling with hot liquid.
4. Stir the blended mixture back into the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for another 10 minutes.

Add the Cheese

5. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, about ½ cup at a time, letting each addition melt completely before adding more.
6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Extra Creamy: Replace milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for a richer soup.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked, diced chicken or crumbled bacon before serving.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free ingredients as needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hash browns?

Yes, peel and dice fresh potatoes into small cubes to replace the hash browns.

2. What if I don’t have a blender?

Use an immersion blender directly in the crock pot or mash the vegetables manually for a chunkier texture.

3. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses can be used for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, leeks, or zucchini would complement this soup well.

5. How do I make this soup lighter?

Use skim milk and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

6. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer the ingredients in a large pot until the vegetables are tender, then blend and add the cheese as directed.

7. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to the blending stage, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat and add the cheese before serving.

8. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but avoid freezing with the cheese already added as it can change texture. Add cheese after reheating.

9. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Stir in the cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, if your crock pot is large enough, double the ingredients and adjust cooking times slightly.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Broccoli-Cheddar Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe has you covered. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy the ease of slow cooking with maximum flavor!

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