Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Potato Chowder Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a cozy favorite that brings warmth to any meal. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, letting you toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. Packed with fresh veggies like broccoli and potatoes, it delivers a nutritious punch while offering that irresistible cheesy goodness everyone craves.

Beyond its ease, the soup boasts health benefits from vitamins and fiber in the vegetables, making it a smart choice for balanced eating. You’ll appreciate how it adapts to different tastes, from vegan tweaks to gluten-free options, all while keeping that creamy, comforting flavor intact. Plus, its hearty profile makes it perfect for busy days when you need a reliable, delicious dish.

Ease of Preparation

One of the best parts about this recipe is how little effort it requires. With minimal chopping and a set-it-and-forget-it approach, even beginners can whip it up quickly. This means more time for you to relax while the flavors meld together beautifully in the slow cooker.

• Just a few basic steps to get started
• No need for constant stirring or monitoring
• Ideal for busy parents or working professionals looking for quick meals

Health Benefits and Versatility

The mix of fresh broccoli and potatoes not only tastes amazing but also packs in essential nutrients. It’s versatile too, easily adjusted for various dietary needs like swapping in plant-based ingredients. This makes it a go-to option for food enthusiasts and diet-conscious folks alike.

As one reader shared, “My family absolutely adores this easy slow cooker soup it’s bursting with rich cheddar flavor and tender veggies that turn a chilly evening into something extra cozy and delicious!” This highlights how it connects with home cooks on a personal level.

Essential Ingredients for Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this soup shine, and we’re focusing on a precise list to ensure your recipe turns out perfect every time. Based on the details provided, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what’s needed. Each item is listed with exact measurements for clarity and ease.

• 2 russet potatoes, diced
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 head)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 ounces full fat cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bay leaf

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy soup that’s both comforting and flavorful. Remember, using full fat cream cheese ensures the best texture, and leaving potato skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients for a healthier twist.

Special Dietary Options

For those with specific needs, this recipe is flexible. You can make it vegan by choosing vegetable broth and plant-based alternatives for the cheese and cream cheese. It’s naturally gluten-free if you verify your broth, making it accessible for a wide range of eaters.

How to Prepare the Perfect Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this soup is straightforward and rewarding, starting with simple prep work. Begin by dicing the potatoes, chopping the broccoli, and mincing the garlic to set the stage for a flavorful mix. Combine all ingredients except the shredded cheddar cheese in your slow cooker for a seamless start.

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours until everything is tender and well-blended. Once done, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to puree to your liking, whether chunky or smooth. Finally, stir in the cheddar cheese and let it melt for about 15 minutes before serving warm.

1. Prepare vegetables: Dice 2 russet potatoes, chop 4 cups broccoli florets, dice 1 yellow onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and chop 1 carrot.
2. Add to slow cooker: Combine the veggies, 4 cups broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 8 ounces cream cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 bay leaf.
3. Cook: Set on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
4. Blend and add cheese: Remove bay leaf, blend as desired, then stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and cook for 15 more minutes.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and total time around 4 hours 10 minutes on HIGH, it’s perfect for busy schedules. This hearty slow cooker potato broccoli cheddar soup captures the essence of comfort food, as shared in many family kitchens.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swapping ingredients can make this soup fit your needs easily. For instance, substitute cheddar cheese with vegan alternatives to keep it dairy-free while maintaining that creamy texture.

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option
• Opt for plant-based milk if adjusting the base

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Feel free to swap broccoli with cauliflower or spinach for a fresh twist. Adding nutritional yeast can mimic cheese flavor for vegan diets, and seasonings like smoked paprika can personalize the taste.

As a tip from our kitchen, “Russet potatoes are ideal as they break down for thickness; avoid waxy types like red potatoes.” This helps ensure the soup’s creamy consistency.

Mastering Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your soup to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. For a smoother texture, puree part of the soup after cooking and mix it back in for that perfect balance. Always use freshly grated cheese to enhance melting and flavor, ensuring full fat dairy for the creamiest results.

Flavor Variations and Presentation

Experiment with additions like a pinch of nutmeg or cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Garnish with sliced chives or oyster crackers to make it visually appealing and add texture contrast.

• Russet potatoes break down ideally for thickness
• Blend partially or fully for customizable consistency
• Garnish options include crumbled bacon or extra cheese

Peeling is optional to boost fiber, and broth can vary based on dietary preferences, making this a versatile recipe for all.

How to Store Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your soup fresh and tasty for later. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to preserve flavor and texture. If freezing, cool it completely first and store for up to 2 months, but add cheese when reheating to avoid separation.

• Refrigeration: Keeps for 3-4 days in a sealed container
• Freezing: Use freezer-safe options for up to 2 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove

Portion into individual servings for easy meal prep, helping busy parents and professionals enjoy it throughout the week.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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🥦 Enjoy a creamy and comforting broccoli and potato chowder that’s easy to prepare in the slow cooker.
🧀 This cheesy soup combines fresh vegetables and rich cream cheese for a hearty and delicious meal.

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (HIGH)
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

– 2 russet potatoes diced

– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 head)

– 1 yellow onion diced

– 2 garlic cloves minced

– 1 carrot chopped

– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 8 ounces full fat cream cheese

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

1-Prepare vegetables: Dice 2 russet potatoes, chop 4 cups broccoli florets, dice 1 yellow onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and chop 1 carrot.

2-Add to slow cooker: Combine the veggies, 4 cups broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 8 ounces cream cheese, salt, pepper, and 1 bay leaf.

3-Cook: Set on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.

4-Blend and add cheese: Remove bay leaf, blend as desired, then stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and cook for 15 more minutes.

5-Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥔 Russet potatoes break down well for thickening; avoid waxy potatoes.
🧀 Use full fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
🍴 Customize soup texture by partially or fully blending to your liking.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (HIGH) or 6-8 hours (LOW)
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian (if vegetable broth used)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl