# Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Soups have a unique way of bringing warmth and comfort to your dinner table, especially during the colder months. This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is not only easy and delicious but also perfect for those who wish to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. Warm up your winter days with this creamy and flavorful dish!
## Why Make This Recipe?
There’s nothing quite like a homemade soup. Making Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your preference. This creamy soup recipe is packed with the goodness of broccoli, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, making it the perfect comfort food a chilly day. Moreover, utilizing a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to do other things!
## How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Making this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is about as simple as it gets. All you have to do is combine your ingredients in the crockpot and let it do all the work!
### Ingredients
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Chopped green onions or bacon bits for garnish
### Directions
1. Add broccoli, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and shredded carrots to the crockpot.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until potatoes and broccoli are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender and puree in batches, then return to the crockpot).
4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low until the cheese is melted and soup is heated through.
5. Ladle soup into bowls and top with green onions or bacon bits if desired.
## How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
This soup can be served as a main dish or as a side. Complement it with a piece of crusty bread or a salad. Don’t forget to top it off with some extra cheese, bacon, or green onions for added flavor and presentation!
## How to Store Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to five days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
## Tips to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
– Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
– Start with fresh broccoli for the best flavor.
– For a vegan option, use a non-dairy milk or creamer and a vegan cheese substitute.
## Variations
– You could substitute cauliflower for broccoli or use a combination of both.
– Top with crumbled bacon or sauteed mushrooms for additional flavor.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use frozen broccoli?** Absolutely! Frozen vegetables are picked at the height of freshness, so they are a good, time-saving option.
2. **Can I make this soup in a regular pot instead of a crockpot?** Yes, you can, but cooking times will be significantly reduced so keep a close eye on it.
3. **Can I freeze this soup?** This soup can be frozen, but due to the dairy content, the texture may change slightly upon defrosting. For best results, reheat gently to prevent separation.
Enjoy a cozy evening with a bowl of this satisfying Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can deliver such impressive flavor!