Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Introduction

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese in a creamy base. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and is incredibly easy to prepare using your slow cooker. Let it simmer all day, and come home to a warm, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

  1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

  1. Transfer to Crock Pot: Place the sautéed onion and garlic into the Crock Pot.
  2. Add Vegetables: Add the diced potatoes, chopped broccoli, and diced carrots to the Crock Pot.
  3. Pour in Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

  1. Set Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

  1. Stir in Cream: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the heavy cream.
  2. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
  3. Season: Add paprika, dried thyme, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

  1. Blend for Creaminess: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  2. Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your hearty and creamy Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup!

Conclusion

This comforting and creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures, and feel free to experiment with additional toppings like crispy bacon or croutons.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 295 kcal
  • Total Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 10g

This soup is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day. Enjoy!