Crockpot Potato Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into even cubes
03 - 1 medium onion, diced
04 - 2 carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 4 cups chicken broth
08 - 1 cup heavy cream
09 - 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

12 - Crispy bacon bits
13 - Extra shredded cheese
14 - Sour cream
15 - Chopped chives or green onions
16 - Croutons

# Instructions:

01 - Add diced potatoes, onions, carrots, and celery to crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
02 - Pour in chicken broth, just enough to cover vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
03 - In the last hour of cooking, add broccoli florets to keep them bright green and perfectly tender.
04 - During the final 30 minutes, stir in heavy cream.
05 - Gradually add freshly shredded cheese, stirring between additions until melted and smooth.
06 - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with desired toppings.

# Notes:

01 - Don't add cheese too early to prevent separation
02 - Use freshly grated cheese for smooth texture
03 - Soup will thicken as it cools