Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly cozy—this Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. There’s something magical about a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma and requires minimal effort. I first stumbled upon this recipe on a day when I needed something warm, satisfying, and simple to prepare for my family. As soon as we took our first spoonful, we were hooked!
It’s recipes like these that make slow cookers a kitchen superhero. Just toss in the ingredients, let them simmer and blend, and return to a hearty meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. If you love my Creamy Cauliflower Soup, you’ll adore this cheesy potato-broccoli combination too. Ready to create a new family favorite that makes dinner time a breeze and brings everyone to the table with smiles? Let’s dive in!
What is Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup?
So, what in the world is Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup? Isn’t the name almost as fun to say as the soup is to eat? This delicious mouthful describes exactly what you’re getting—a velvety blend of potatoes and broccoli, bubbling in a cheesy, creamy hug, all made in the slow cooker. And why the slow cooker? Because, as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and honestly, with this recipe, you’ll win over just about anyone! Whip up a batch, call it by name, and watch how quickly your crew gathers in the kitchen, ready for a taste. Give it a try and let the comfort begin!
Why You’ll Love This:
First, the highlight: this soup is luxuriously creamy and loaded with gooey cheese, making every spoonful deliciously rich. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser! Second, making this recipe at home is a serious money-saver compared to restaurant versions, letting you feed the whole family affordably without sacrificing flavor or quality. Last but not least, the fresh broccoli, hearty potatoes, and flavorful seasonings create a wholesome, well-rounded meal—and don’t forget those cheesy croutons or crispy bacon bits on top, if you’re feeling fancy! If you’re a fan of my Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup, this broccoli-potato-cheese trio will knock your socks off. Take the plunge and discover just how amazing homemade soup night can be!
How to Make:
Quick Overview
Homemade soup has never been this easy! With less than 20 minutes of hands-on prep, you can set this Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup in motion and let your slow cooker work its magic. The combination of soft, tender potatoes, bright green broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese creates a flavor-packed bowl that tastes like you’ve been stirring over the stove all day. Cooking time in the slow cooker is about 6-7 hours on low, so you can plan ahead and come home to a meal that’s ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
4 cups diced potatoes
2 cups broccoli florets
1 onion, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Directions
- In a slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and broccoli florets.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm. For extra pizzazz, garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
What to Serve With
Pair your Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup with a slice of crusty bread or homemade garlic knots for dunking—nothing beats soaking up that cheesy goodness! To round out the meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. For drinks, a simple iced tea or sparkling lemonade keeps things refreshing. If you’re angling for a heartier dinner, add a chicken or turkey sandwich on the side.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Don’t overcook the broccoli! Add broccoli in the last 2 hours of cooking for a brighter green color and firmer texture if you prefer.
- Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest consistency.
- Want a thicker soup? Blend half the mixture before adding cheese and milk, then stir everything together.
- Experiment with different cheeses like a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for deeper flavor.
- Need to go gluten-free? Stick with cornstarch to thicken if desired instead of flour.
- Avoid letting dairy boil—always add milk and cheese at the end to prevent curdling.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, allow the soup to cool completely, pour it into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to maintain its creamy consistency. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of milk or extra cheese as needed to keep things rich and smooth. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can separate the dairy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well—just add it 2-3 hours before the end of the cooking time for best texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, you’re all set with vegetable broth. For vegan, swap the milk and cheese for your favorite dairy-free alternatives.
How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Blend a portion of the cooked potatoes and vegetables, or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end for a thicker texture.
What’s the best potato to use?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy consistency, but you can use red potatoes for a chunkier texture.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Yes! Stir in cooked rotisserie chicken or diced ham 30 minutes before serving for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup is everything you crave in a comforting homemade meal—rich, flavorful, easy on your wallet, and nourishing for the soul. With almost no prep time and all the cheesy, hearty goodness you love, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out my other slow cooker favorites for more inspiration. Gather your ingredients, let the slow cooker do its magic, and get ready to enjoy extra helpings of happiness with every bowl!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato & Broccoli Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups Diced Potatoes Russet or Yukon Gold recommended.
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen.
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
Liquids
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 cup Milk Add at the end of cooking.
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Add at the end of cooking.
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and broccoli florets.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk and cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm. Garnish with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits if desired.