## Introduction
Dive into a bowl of comfort with this Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It’s a creamy, gluten-free, and loaded dish that is super easy to make and filled with the rich flavors of potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly days or when you just need a moment of coziness, this soul-soothing soup promises to deliver that down-home comfort food vibe every time you make it.
## Why Make This Crockpot Potato Brooy, and melted cheese. It is an excellent avenue for getting in your daily vegetable intake in an appealing and delicious way.
## How to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The steps are simple and straightforward, perfect for a newbie cook or a seasoned chef looking for an easy dish with a high payoff.
### Ingredients:
– 4 cups diced potatoes
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 2 tbsp water
### Directions:
1. Begin by adding the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper into your crockpot.
2. Cover the crockpot, and let it do its magic on a low setting for 4-6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
3. Stir in the cheesy goodness – add the cheddar cheese and heavy cream to the crockpot, stirring until the cheese has melted into a smooth soup.
4. Thicken the soup by mixing the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup and cook for another 30 minutes or until the soup reaches your desired thickness.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar or fresh herbs for extra flavor and visual appeal.
## How to Serve Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, a side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice, crisp contrast to the rich creaminess of the soup.
## How to Store Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This comfort soup can be cooled completely and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on low on your stovetop.
## Tips to Make Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
– Dice the potatoes into small even cubes to ensure they cook through completely.
– Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and flavor.
– Shred the cheddar cheese from a block instead of pre-shredded.
## Variations
– Add a bit of heat by stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes.
– Add a smoky flavor with a few drops of liquid smoke.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?**
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but the texture may be slightly softer than fresh.
2. **Can I substitute other types of cheese?**
Yes, you can use colby, monterey jack or gouda.
3. **Can I make this soup vegetarian?**
Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth.
By following this recipe, you’ll have a hearty and delicious Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’ll immediately elevate your home dining experience. High on comfort and loaded with flavor, this is a homemade soup recipe you’ll want to have on standby. Enjoy cooking!