Introduction
Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make soup combines creamy textures with savory flavors, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dish to enjoy on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and hearty soup that will warm you from the inside out.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 cups broccoli florets
– 4 cups diced potatoes
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
The preparation time for this delicious soup is approximately 15 minutes. Simply chop the vegetables and gather all the ingredients before you start cooking. This quick prep will ensure that you have everything ready to go for an effortless cooking experience.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for the soup in the crockpot is about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to become tender. In total, you can expect to spend around 15 minutes prepping and up to 8 hours cooking, depending on your schedule. This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for families or meal prep for the week. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade soup that’s both easy to prepare and remarkably satisfying.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Chop potatoes into small cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Rinse and chop broccoli into small florets.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place the diced potatoes and broccoli florets into the crockpot. Add vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Once the vegetables are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cream
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning
If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional: garnish with additional shredded cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs.
Notes
Note 1: Cheese Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, for varied flavor profiles.
Note 2: Vegetarian Option
Ensure the vegetable broth used is truly vegetarian if following a vegetarian diet.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Note 4: Freezing Instructions
This soup can be frozen. Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, resulting in a rich and creamy soup. This technique works well for ingredients like potatoes and broccoli that benefit from extended cooking.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the soup can enhance their flavors. This step releases oils and deepens the taste, making the soup more savory and aromatic.
Blending for Creaminess
Blending a portion of the soup creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream. You can use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender for a smoother finish.
Seasoning Layers
Adding seasonings at different stages of cooking builds a more complex flavor profile. Start with salt and pepper, then adjust seasonings toward the end for optimal taste.
Cheese Melting Technique
To incorporate cheese smoothly, add it towards the end of cooking. This prevents it from becoming gritty and ensures a creamy consistency throughout the soup.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it may require less time to cook through.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the stovetop by cooking the ingredients in a pot over medium heat until everything is tender.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like carrots or cauliflower for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid adding any gluten-containing ingredients, this soup can be gluten-free.
Conclusion
Enjoying a warm bowl of Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delightful way to indulge in comfort food that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This recipe captures the essence of creamy, cheesy goodness along with the health benefits of broccoli and potatoes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can create a hearty soup that your family will love, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your day.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb alternative that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
Vegetable and Cheddar Chowder
Add in a variety of vegetables such as carrots, corn, and bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra protein boost that pairs deliciously with the broccoli and cheese.
Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Introduce jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to give your soup a spicy kick that will elevate the flavor profile.
Potato Leek Soup
Swap out some of the potatoes for leeks to add a subtle onion-like sweetness to your creamy base.
Plant-Based Cheddar Soup
Use cashew cream and nutritional yeast to create a vegan version that captures the cheesy flavor without dairy.
Chili Cheese Potato Soup
Mix in chili powder and diced tomatoes for a zesty twist that combines the flavors of chili with your classic potato soup.
