Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Here’s a Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup — creamy, comforting, and very easy since the slow cooker does most of the work 🥦🥔🧀

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🥣 Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet)

• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust later)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• ½ tsp dry mustard (optional, boosts cheese flavor)

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thicker soup)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot

1. Place potatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic into the crock pot.

2. Pour in the broth.

3. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard.

4. Stir gently to combine.

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2. Slow Cook

• Cover and cook:

  • LOW for 6–7 hours
    or

  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

• Vegetables should be very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

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3. Blend (Optional but Recommended)

1. Use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup.

   • Blend halfway for chunky soup

   • Blend fully for smooth soup

2. If using a blender, blend in batches and return soup to crock pot.

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4. Thicken (Optional)

1. Stir cornstarch and water together.

2. Add slurry to soup.

3. Cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.

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5. Add Dairy & Cheese (Important)

1. Turn crock pot to LOW.

2. Stir in butter and milk (or half-and-half).

3. Add cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted.

   • Do not boil — this keeps the soup smooth.

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6. Final Taste

• Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

• Let sit 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Crusty bread or garlic toast

• Topped with:

  • Extra shredded cheddar

  • Bacon bits

  • Green onions

  • Sour cream

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⭐ Pro Tips

• Always shred your own cheese (pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly).

• Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.

• If soup gets too thick, stir in a little warm broth or milk.

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Variations

• Extra creamy: add 4 oz cream cheese

• Vegetarian: use vegetable broth

• Spicy: add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes