🥔 Slow Cooker Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Serves: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4–6 hours (on low) or 2–3 hours (on high)
🧾 Ingredients
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4 cups (about 1 lb) potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
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2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups (960 ml) vegetable or chicken broth
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2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream or whole milk (for a lighter version, use half-and-half)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives more flavor)
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2 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
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1–2 tbsp cornstarch or flour (optional, for thickening)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the ingredients
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Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skins on for added texture.
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Chop the broccoli into florets. If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw—just add it directly to the slow cooker.
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Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2️⃣ Add to the slow cooker
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Place the potatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker.
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Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the vegetables are submerged.
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If you’re using dried thyme or Italian seasoning, add it now along with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Cook the soup
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Set the slow cooker to low for 4–6 hours, or high for 2–3 hours.
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The potatoes should be tender and the soup should have thickened slightly by the end of the cook time.
4️⃣ Make it creamy
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Once the soup is done cooking, mash the potatoes slightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon for a creamy texture with some chunks.
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Add in the heavy cream (or milk) and butter (if using) and stir to combine.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese gradually until the soup is smooth and creamy.
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For extra thickness, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 1–2 tbsp cornstarch or flour with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the soup. Let it cook for another 10 minutes to thicken.
5️⃣ Serve
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Serve the soup hot, with extra shredded cheddar on top and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper if you like.
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You can also garnish with croutons or a drizzle of sour cream for added richness.
🔥 Tips
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For a smoother soup, you can blend part or all of the soup with an immersion blender after cooking.
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If you like a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
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Add protein: For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or bacon bits right before serving.
This creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially with a slice of crusty bread on the side. Let me know if you’d like to adjust it for any dietary preferences!