Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Easy Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe – Creamy & Delicious

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Introduction

There’s something absolutely magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the rich, creamy aroma of the best crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup recipe wafting from your kitchen. This isn’t just any ordinary soup – it’s the kind of easy crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup for beginners that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food gold.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The potatoes become perfectly tender, the broccoli maintains just the right texture, and that melted Velveeta creates the silkiest, most indulgent base you’ve ever experienced. This homemade crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup ideas originated from my grandmother’s kitchen, but I’ve adapted it for modern busy families who need something both nourishing and convenient.

I typically serve this during chilly autumn evenings or those hectic weeknights when everyone’s schedules are all over the place. The beauty of this simple crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup meal is that you can prep everything in the morning, set it, and forget it until dinner time. Family members consistently rave about how creamy and satisfying each bowl feels, making it our go-to recipe when we need something that pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses everyday pantry ingredients – no specialty shopping required
• Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners – set it and forget it convenience
• Family-approved comfort food – even veggie-hesitant kids devour this soup
• Budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor – feeds a crowd for under $15
• Freezer-friendly for future quick meals – make double and save half

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Understanding your ingredients is key to mastering this quick crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup recipe. The Velveeta cheese serves as our secret weapon – it melts smoothly without breaking or becoming grainy like some natural cheeses might. If you prefer a healthy crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup version, substitute with sharp cheddar and add a tablespoon of cream cheese for smoothness.

Russet potatoes work best because they break down slightly during cooking, naturally thickening the soup base. Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent alternatives if you prefer firmer chunks. For the broccoli, frozen florets actually work better than fresh since they’re pre-blanched and won’t overcook during the long crockpot process.

The cream soups (chicken and mushroom) provide both flavor depth and additional thickening power. You can substitute with cream of celery or even make your own white sauce if you’re avoiding canned products. Chicken broth forms our liquid base, but vegetable broth works perfectly for vegetarian versions.

How to Make It

The genius behind this family friendly crockpot potato broccoli cheddar soup lies in its simplicity. Mixing the flour directly into the chicken broth first prevents lumpy texture issues that plague many homemade soups. This creates a smooth slurry that distributes evenly throughout your soup base.

Layering ingredients correctly matters more than you might think. Adding the Velveeta cubes early allows them to melt gradually, creating that signature creamy consistency without scorching. The potatoes and onions need the full cooking time to reach perfect tenderness, while the broccoli maintains its vibrant color and slight bite.

Cooking on high for 4-5 hours rather than low all day prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy. During the final hour, resist the urge to lift the lid frequently – each peek releases steam and extends cooking time. That final stir before serving redistributes all the melted cheese and ensures every bowl gets perfectly balanced flavors.

Tips for Success

• Cut potatoes uniformly – ensures even cooking throughout
• Don’t skip the flour slurry step – prevents separation and creates smooth texture
• Use block Velveeta, not pre-shredded – melts more consistently without additives
• Add frozen broccoli during last 2 hours – prevents overcooking and maintains color
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – salt levels vary between broths

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The consistency may thicken considerably once chilled – simply thin with additional chicken broth when reheating. For microwave reheating, use 50% power and stir every minute to prevent hot spots and maintain smooth texture.

This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in family-sized portions using freezer bags laid flat for easy storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup alongside crusty sourdough bread or warm dinner rolls for the ultimate comfort meal. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides nice contrast to the rich, creamy soup. For extra indulgence, top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or additional shredded cheese.

Consider pairing with homemade cornbread or garlic breadsticks for a complete family dinner that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

FAQs

Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the Velveeta with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut milk in place of cream soups. The texture will differ but remains delicious.

What if my soup turns out too thick?
Simply stir in additional warm chicken broth until you reach desired consistency. This commonly happens during storage.

Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Diced ham, cooked bacon, or rotisserie chicken make excellent additions during the last hour of cooking.

Notes

This recipe holds special memories from countless family gatherings where multiple generations gathered around steaming bowls, sharing stories and creating connections. The beauty of comfort food lies not just in its flavors, but in its ability to bring people together around the dinner table, creating lasting memories one spoonful at a time.

Ingredients:

• Broccoli florets
• Potatoes
• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Velvetta cut into cubes
• Flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1. Mix together the flour in the chicken broth until combined.

Step 2. Add broth mixture to the crockpot.

Step 3. Add cream of chicken soup.

Step 4. Add cream of mushroom soup.

Step 5. Add butter.

Step 6. Add velvetta.

Step 7. Add potatoes and onions.

Step 8. Add broccoli florets.

Step 9. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook for 4-5 hours on high.

OPTIONAL: Parsley to garnish.

Step 10. Stir well before serving.

More Crockpot Recipes

Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham – It’s easy to make, and it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Beef Tips and Gravy – The best and perfect recipe to serve to dinner but simple enough for a weeknight dinner!

Cream Cheese Chicken Soup – This Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili recipe is an absolutely delicious variation of chili that you are going to fall in love with.