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Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Comforting Classic

As the days grow colder and the nights stretch longer, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul. Enter the Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup – a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome vegetables that is perfect for those chilly evenings. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, thanks to the slow-cooking magic of the Crock Pot, but it also delivers a nourishing meal that can warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To whip up this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken stock
• 250ml of milk or a dairy alternative
• 225g of grated cheddar cheese (preferably sharp for extra flavour)
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• Optional: croutons and additional cheddar for serving

Method: How to Prepare the Soup

The beauty of a Crock Pot (or slow cooker) is its simplicity. Here’s how to create your Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by chopping the onion, garlic, potatoes, and broccoli. Having everything prepped makes the process smoother.

2. Layer the Ingredients: In the Crock Pot, add the chopped onion and garlic at the bottom. Layer the diced potatoes on top of the onions, followed by the broccoli florets. This layering helps to meld the flavours as they cook.

3. Add the Stock: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock until the vegetables are submerged. Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

4. Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low heat. Let the soup cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the potatoes to be tender and cooked through.

5. Blend the Soup: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to purée the soup to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup and leave some potato pieces intact.

6. Stir in the Cheese and Milk: After blending, return the soup to a low heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and milk. Allow the cheese to melt completely and blend into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese or croutons if desired, and enjoy the comforting warmth of this delicious dish.

Tips for Customisation

One of the joys of cooking is making a dish your own. Here are a few ways you can customise your Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

• Add More Veg: Feel free to toss in additional vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or even spinach for added colour and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use plant-based milk to create a delicious vegan version of this hearty soup.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup embodies warmth, comfort, and flavour, making it an ideal dish for family meals, entertaining, or simply those quiet evenings at home. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this soup is sure to become a favourite in your household. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and let the aromas fill your home, inviting everyone to gather around for a hearty meal. This soup is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl. Enjoy!