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Creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup with Bacon Crumble

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A cozy, creamy slow cooker soup featuring tender broccoli, sharp cheddar, and potatoes, topped with a smoky bacon crumble. Perfect for comforting dinners with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside for topping later.
  3. Add the broccoli, potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
  6. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker, stirring well.
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with the bacon crumble. Optionally, add a pinch of extra cheddar or fresh chives for color and freshness.

Notes

Do not add cheese too early to avoid clumping. If soup is too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk. Cook bacon while prepping vegetables to save time. For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for gluten-free adaptation. Add broccoli in the last hour of cooking to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, broccoli cheddar soup, potato soup, bacon crumble, creamy soup, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-broccoli-cheddar-potato-soup-recipe-with-bacon-crumble-easy-and-delicious/