There’s something magical about a warm bowl of creamy soup on a chilly day — especially one that’s packed with vegetables, filled with rich cheesy flavor, and made with almost zero effort. crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup checks every one of those boxes, making it one of the most beloved slow cooker comfort meals of all time.

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly soup that tastes like it came straight from a cozy café but requires nothing more than tossing ingredients into a crockpot, this recipe is going to be your new go-to. Creamy potatoes, tender broccoli, melted cheddar, and aromatic vegetables come together to create the kind of soup that feels like a warm blanket in a bowl.

This dish is budget-friendly, extremely forgiving, and customizable based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a warm and nourishing bowl of comfort food, this recipe will deliver every single time.

Today’s guide gives you a full FoodieMoms-style breakdown: step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, serving ideas, and a complete recipe JSON so you can upload it directly into your system. Let’s dive into this creamy slow cooker classic.

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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

✔ Minimal prep — the crockpot does the work

Just chop your vegetables, toss them in, and let the slow cooker create magic.

✔ Creamy, thick, and ultra-comforting

Potatoes naturally thicken the soup, and cheddar adds richness.

✔ Family-friendly and kid-approved

Even picky eaters love the cheesy flavor.

✔ Budget-friendly ingredients

Simple vegetables + affordable cheese = high-flavor meal with low cost.

✔ Great for leftovers and meal prep

This soup reheats like a dream and thickens even more by the next day.

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Ingredients

For crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup

• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes
• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Optional: ¼ cup shredded Parmesan
• Optional toppings: croutons, bacon, extra cheese, chives

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Dice the potatoes, chop the broccoli, grate the carrot, and mince the garlic.
2. Add Everything Except Dairy
   To your crockpot, add potatoes, broccoli, carrot, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and butter.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
   Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours, until potatoes are completely soft.
4. Lightly Mash (Optional)
   Use a potato masher to lightly break down some of the potatoes for a thicker, creamier texture.
5. Add Cheese and Cream
   Stir in cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Mix until melted and smooth.
6. Adjust Thickness
   If you want a thicker soup, mash more potatoes. If you prefer thinner, add a splash of broth.
7. Taste and Season
   Add extra salt, pepper, or paprika to taste.
8. Serve Warm
   Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheddar, bacon, chives, or croutons.

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Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup

Use sharp cheddar

Sharper cheese creates deeper flavor and melts beautifully.

Add dairy at the very end

Heating cream or cheese too long can cause graininess.

Mash to your preferred texture

Mash slightly for chunky soup, or blend with an immersion blender for smooth soup.

Frozen broccoli works perfectly

There’s no need to thaw — it cooks right in.

Stir cheese gradually

Adding all at once can cause clumping; mix in small handfuls for silky results.

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Variations

• Loaded Baked Potato Version

Stir in crispy bacon, extra cheddar, and green onions.

• Healthier Version

Replace cream with evaporated milk and reduce cheese to 1 cup.

• Extra-Veggie Version

Add cauliflower, leeks, or spinach.

• Spicy Version

Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeño.

• Gluten-Free Thickener

If you want it extra thick, add a slurry of corn starch + broth.

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Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs well with:

• crusty bread or garlic toast
• grilled cheese
• biscuits
• a simple green salad
• baked potatoes
• roasted vegetables

Serve it as a main dish or an appetizer — it’s satisfying either way.

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Fun Facts About Broccoli Cheddar Soup

• Broccoli cheddar soup became iconic thanks to American café chains in the 1980s.
• Potatoes naturally thicken soups without flour.
• Slow cookers allow vegetables to retain more flavor than boiling.
• Cheddar cheese soup dates back to early English pub cooking.