Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • In a large crock pot, combine the chopped broccoli, diced potatoes, onion, and garlic. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and stir in the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Cook:
   • Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Blend (Optional):
   • For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer batches to a blender. Leave some chunks of broccoli and potato if desired for texture.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
   • Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
5. Thicken the Soup (Optional):
   • If you’d like a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, and stir it into the soup. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the soup thickens.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese, if desired.

Enjoy this creamy and comforting Crock Pot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup, perfect for a cozy meal!