Introduction: This creamy, comforting Slow Potato Soup with Broccoli and Cheddar is the perfect dish for cold weather. The combination of tender potatoes, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make in a slow cooker. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer version)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
Prepare Ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into florets.
Cook the Soup: In the slow cooker, combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, broccoli, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend half the soup and return it to the slow cooker for a thicker texture.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the milk (or cream) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking on low for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
Thicken (Optional): If you’d like a thicker consistency, mix the flour with a little milk and stir it into the soup. Cook for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the soup warm, and enjoy!
Description:
This Slow Potato Soup with Broccoli and Cheddar is the epitome of comfort food. The rich and creamy texture of the soup is balanced by the freshness of broccoli and the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or served as a side with a sandwich or salad. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a dish everyone will love.
Tips:
For Extra Creaminess: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the soup vegetarian.
Add Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon can be sprinkled on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Freeze Leftovers: The soup freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Variations:
Vegan Version: Substitute the cheese with vegan cheese and use plant-based milk and broth.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a spicy kick.
Leek and Potato: Add sliced leeks for extra depth of flavor.
Cheddar and Gruyère: Try mixing in some Gruyère cheese for a gourmet twist.
Corrections:
Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more broth or milk to reach your desired texture.
Salt Adjustments: Depending on the broth used, you may need to adjust the amount of salt. Taste the soup before adding more salt.
Enjoy!
This Slow Potato Soup with Broccoli and Cheddar is a perfect comfort food option for chilly evenings. Its creamy, cheesy, and wholesome flavors will leave you feeling warm and satisfied. Enjoy!
