There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of broccoli cheddar soup, especially when it’s made in the Crockpot! This easy, hands-off recipe combines fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots with the richness of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a touch of nutmeg for a savory, satisfying meal. The beauty of this soup is its simplicity—it requires minimal prep work and lets the Crockpot do all the hard work for you. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for a chilly evening or a comforting dish to feed a crowd, this Crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup is sure to hit the spot. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, all while being incredibly easy to make.

With a few ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a hearty soup ready to serve. This recipe also makes great leftovers, so it’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying for multiple days. Add a slice of crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. If you’ve never made soup in the Crockpot before, this recipe is the perfect place to start!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Preparation

With the Crockpot doing most of the work, you simply throw everything in and let it cook. Minimal active time means you can get on with your day while the soup slowly simmers to perfection.

2. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk creates a luxurious, velvety texture that’s perfectly comforting and indulgent.

3. Hearty and Filling

With tender broccoli, carrots, and the rich addition of cheese, this soup makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you full and cozy.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup is easy to make in large batches, and it stores well, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.

5. Customizable and Delicious

Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes or spinach, to customize the soup to your taste, or even switch up the cheese to try different variations!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Broccoli florets (from 2 heads)
Chopped onion
Shredded carrots
Cream cheese
Minced garlic
Nutmeg
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cornstarch
Chicken broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Milk

Variations

Add Potatoes: For a more filling soup, consider adding some diced potatoes to the Crockpot for extra heartiness.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cheese, and vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly version of this comforting soup.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist on the classic broccoli cheddar soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Roughly chop the broccoli florets and place them at the bottom of the Crockpot. Add the chopped onion, shredded carrots, cream cheese, and minced garlic.

Step 2: Prepare the Broth Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, nutmeg, kosher salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth. Pour the broth mixture over the vegetables in the Crockpot, then stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover the Crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the broccoli is tender. If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup, leaving some chunks if you prefer a bit of texture.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese

Once the broccoli is tender, reduce the heat to LOW. Add the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, then cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely into the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted, give the soup a final stir and serve hot. Garnish with extra cheese or croutons if desired. Enjoy your comforting, creamy Crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blend for Smoother Soup: If you prefer a creamier, smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can also blend just half for a chunkier texture.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: To keep the broccoli from becoming too mushy, check for tenderness around the 2-hour mark if using the HIGH setting.
Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, like gouda or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Use Fresh Broccoli: While frozen broccoli can be used, fresh broccoli tends to hold up better in soups and provides better texture.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy, cheesy soup with a slice of toasted bread or garlic bread for the perfect pairing. A light side salad can also be a great addition to balance out the richness of the soup. If you’re feeling indulgent, top your soup with extra shredded cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let the soup thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it on the stovetop, adding more milk if necessary to return to the desired consistency.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup is too thick after being stored, simply add a bit more milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, though fresh broccoli will provide a better texture in the soup.

2. How can I thicken the soup?

If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can add a bit more cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold broth or water. Stir this into the soup and let it cook for a few more minutes.

3. Can I add potatoes to this soup?

Yes, diced potatoes can be added to make the soup even heartier. Simply add them in with the broccoli and cook as usual.

4. How do I make this soup dairy-free?

To make this soup dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free cheese, and vegetable broth.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the soup while it’s cooking to add some heat.

6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just reheat it when ready to serve.

7. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and store in airtight containers.

8. Can I use other types of cheese in the soup?

Yes, feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack to change up the flavor of the soup.

9. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

10. How can I make this soup thicker?

You can thicken the soup by adding more cornstarch or by blending part of the soup to create a creamier consistency.

Conclusion

This Crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for cozy nights in. With simple ingredients and an easy, hands-off cooking process, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty meal or enjoying it as a snack, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy!