When the cold weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, cheesy soup. And this Cheesy Crockpot Potato and Broccoli Soup? It’s the epitome of cozy, creamy goodness that’ll make you want to curl up with a blanket and savor every spoonful.

This recipe is my go-to when I want something that’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting you come home to a bubbling pot of tender potatoes and broccoli, all blended into a velvety soup with just the right amount of cheese to make it irresistible. It’s one of those dishes that just gets better with time—perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or even for those lazy weekends when you want to avoid the stove but still enjoy a warm, homemade meal.

With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a creamy, cheesy soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. And the best part? It’s an incredibly forgiving recipe. If you want to add extra veggies, change up the cheese, or even go a little bolder with spices, you can! In this first part of the recipe, we’ll go over why this soup is so amazing, how to prep your ingredients, and how to get everything ready for the slow cooker. Let’s dive right in!

Why This Soup is a Winner

• Hands-off Cooking: With the slow cooker doing most of the work, all you need to do is toss in the ingredients and wait for the magic to happen.
• Simple & Nutritious: Potatoes and broccoli form the base, packed with nutrients, and the addition of cheese takes it to a whole new level of comfort.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding extra veggies, swapping out cheese, or even using vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.

Step 1: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

In the first step, we’re going to prep all the ingredients that will go into your slow cooker. The beauty of this soup is its simplicity, and this part couldn’t be easier.

• Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes. Four cups is the magic number here. The potatoes will break down during cooking and add a rich, creamy base to the soup.
• Chop up your broccoli into florets. You’ll need four cups—this veggie gives the soup a fresh bite and helps balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Dice a medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. These aromatics are essential for building flavor right from the start.

Once all the ingredients are prepped, simply throw them into your slow cooker. It’s as easy as that!

Step 2: Pour in the Chicken Broth

Now that your veggies are in the slow cooker, it’s time to add the liquid. You’ll need four cups of chicken broth to create a flavorful base for the soup. The broth helps to bring all the flavors together, allowing the potatoes to soften and the broccoli to cook perfectly. Stir everything together to make sure the broth is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cook on Low for 6-7 Hours

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. During this time, the potatoes will become tender and the broccoli will cook through. The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors will meld together, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours.

At this point, all you have to do is relax and let the slow cooker work its magic. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Finishing Touches & Tips for a Perfectly Creamy Soup

Now that your Cheesy Crockpot Potato and Broccoli Soup has been slow-cooking to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will transform it into a rich, creamy bowl of comfort. With just a few more steps, you’ll be enjoying a velvety soup that’s packed with flavor and bursting with cheesy goodness. Let’s get to it!

Step 4: Mash Some of the Potatoes for a Creamy Texture

Once your potatoes are tender and your broccoli is cooked through, it’s time to work on the texture of the soup. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.

• For a Chunkier Texture: If you prefer your soup with a little more texture, mash just half of the potatoes. This will leave some chunky bits that give the soup more body while still making it creamy.
• For a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, go ahead and mash most of the potatoes or use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth. Just be careful not to over-blend; you want to retain some of that hearty potato feel.

Remember, the amount you mash will determine the overall creaminess of your soup, so feel free to adjust based on your preference!

Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream, Salt, and Pepper

After achieving the desired texture, it’s time to add some richness to the soup. Stir in two cups of heavy cream. The cream will give your soup that luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and balance out the flavors beautifully.

• Seasoning: Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the cheese you’ll add later is already salty, so adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Give everything a good stir to combine, and you’ll already notice the soup becoming richer and creamier. At this point, you’re almost there!

Step 6: Add the Shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese

Here comes the fun part—the cheese! Stir in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheddar brings that bold, tangy flavor we all crave in a cheesy soup, while the mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the soup that stretchy, gooey texture.

• Cheese Tips: If you want to make your soup even cheesier, feel free to add a bit more cheese or try different varieties like Gruyère or Monterey Jack. The beauty of this soup is its flexibility, so don’t hesitate to get creative with the cheese!

Stir the cheese in until it’s fully melted and the soup is nice and smooth. You’ll notice how the cheese enriches the broth, creating a creamy, thick texture that’s just perfect.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cheese is melted and the soup has reached your desired consistency, it’s time to serve. Ladle the warm, cheesy goodness into bowls and enjoy it hot. You can top it with a little extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or even some crispy bacon bits for an added crunch.

This Cheesy Crockpot Potato and Broccoli Soup is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even as a meal prep option for the week, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Chef’s Tips for a Perfect Soup

• Adjust the Creaminess: If you like your soup thinner, you can add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, feel free to mash more potatoes or let it cook a little longer.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like gouda, cream cheese, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
• Add Extra Veggies: For a heartier soup, you can add additional veggies like carrots, celery, or even cauliflower. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Now that you’ve completed the cooking steps and have a bowl full of creamy, cheesy goodness, get ready for the most comforting meal you’ve had all week! In Part 3, we’ll cover some common questions about this recipe and wrap things up with a few closing tips. Stay tuned for the final touches!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavor will still be rich and comforting, and you won’t miss the meat at all. You can also use plant-based cream if you want to make it dairy-free.

2. How can I make this soup ahead of time?
This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a little extra broth or cream if it’s too thick. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent excess moisture from making the soup too watery. The texture might be a little different, but it will still be delicious!

4. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

5. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer part of the soup into a regular blender to blend it until smooth. Just be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending, and blend in batches to avoid splattering. Then return the blended soup to the slow cooker.

6. Is there a way to make the soup lighter?
Yes, you can lighten up this soup by using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. For an even lighter option, try using a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use a reduced-fat cheese, though this might affect the creaminess slightly.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making a creamy, cheesy, and comforting bowl of Cheesy Crockpot Potato and Broccoli Soup. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of your slow cooker, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

This soup is not only delicious but incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite cheeses, veggies, or even tweak it to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you go for the classic cheddar and mozzarella combo or experiment with new flavors, you’re sure to end up with a bowl full of pure comfort.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to drop a comment below with your own twists on the recipe or any tips you’ve found helpful. And if you’re a fan of easy, flavorful slow cooker meals, make sure to check out more of my recipes for more cozy, hands-off cooking inspiration.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your cheesy, creamy bowl of soup!

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