Broccoli cheddar potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, and making it in a slow cooker elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness and convenience. This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying soup with minimal effort, perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal. Let's dive into the details of crafting this perfect bowl of warmth.
What Makes Crock-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup So Great?
The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. The crock pot gently simmers the potatoes, broccoli, and broth, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This results in a deeply flavorful soup that's incredibly tender and creamy without the need for heavy cream or excessive thickening agents. The slow cooking also minimizes hands-on time, freeing you to focus on other tasks while your soup simmers to perfection. It's the perfect example of effortless deliciousness!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, adds a milder, creamy element)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: bacon bits, chives, croutons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock-Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, broccoli florets, chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
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Stir in Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as bacon bits, chives, or croutons.
How to Make it Thicker?
H2: How can I make my broccoli cheddar potato soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can easily adjust the recipe. Here are a few options:
- Reduce the liquid: Use slightly less broth and milk than the recipe calls for.
- Add a roux: Before adding the cheese, you can make a simple roux by melting 1-2 tablespoons of butter and whisking in an equal amount of flour. Cook for a minute or two until the roux is light brown, then stir it into the soup to thicken it.
- Puree a portion: Use an immersion blender to partially puree a portion of the soup. This will create a creamier, thicker consistency without altering the texture of the remaining chunks of potatoes and broccoli.
- Use cornstarch slurry: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
H2: Can I make broccoli cheddar potato soup in advance?
Yes! This soup is even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The flavors will have even more time to meld, resulting in a richer, more satisfying soup.
Variations on the Theme
H2: What are some variations of broccoli cheddar potato soup?
Feel free to experiment with different variations:
- Add protein: Cook some diced ham, bacon, or shredded chicken alongside the potatoes and broccoli.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends. Gouda, Gruyere, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses could work wonderfully.
- Add other vegetables: Carrots, celery, or even cauliflower would be delicious additions.
This Crock-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup recipe is a keeper. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something warm, comforting, and delicious. Enjoy!
