Instructions:
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- In your crock pot, add the diced potatoes, broccoli florets, onion, garlic, and broth.
- Season:
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook:
- Set your crock pot on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes and broccoli are tender.
- Blend the Soup (Optional):
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the crock pot. You can also transfer some of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the crock pot. If you prefer a chunky texture, you can skip this step.
- Add Cheese and Cream:
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Thicken (Optional):
- If the soup is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the potatoes with a potato masher or adding a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- Final Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, or chopped green onions.
Tips:
- Add a Protein Boost: If you want to make it more hearty, you can add cooked chicken or ham into the soup during the last hour of cooking.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit any bacon toppings.
This rich and creamy Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something comforting. Enjoy!