Crockpot Potato Soup

Introduction

Crockpot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, savory, and hearty meal with minimal effort. This soup combines tender potatoes, flavorful broth, and rich creaminess, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you’re looking for a warming meal on a chilly day or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this potato soup is sure to satisfy. It’s an easy-to-make, hands-off recipe that delivers big on taste. Top with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions for the perfect finishing touch.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this on a lazy weekend. The whole house filled with the delicious smell of the slow-cooked ingredients, and it felt like the ultimate cozy moment. The best part? You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, crumbled sausage, or extra cheese, making it even more indulgent.

Perfect for busy days or casual dinner parties, this soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your crockpot, throw in the ingredients, and let it do all the hard work for you, while you enjoy a rich, comforting bowl of potato soup.

Perfect for:

• Cozy weeknight dinners
• Cold weather meals
• Meal prep for the week
• Family gatherings
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Soup

Here’s why Crockpot Potato Soup will become a favorite in your household:

• Creamy and Hearty: This soup has the perfect creamy texture, thanks to the potatoes, broth, and cream, making it rich and satisfying.
• Effortless Cooking: With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time. Let the crockpot do all the work!
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of potatoes, onions, and savory seasonings creates a deep, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: Add toppings like bacon, cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs to make this soup uniquely your own.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7-8 hours (for slow cooking)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7-8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crockpot Potato Soup:

• 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Potatoes: The base of the soup, providing texture and heartiness. Russet potatoes are ideal for their starch content, which helps thicken the soup.
• Broth: Using low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth ensures a flavorful base without too much salt. You can substitute with homemade broth for added depth.
• Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese: These ingredients provide the creamy texture and richness that make this soup so indulgent.
• Toppings: Bacon, cheese, and green onions add flavor and texture, giving the soup extra layers of deliciousness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Potato Soup:

Prepare the Soup:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, peel (if desired), and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender, but it’s not necessary.
5. Add the Cream and Cream Cheese: Add the heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, and butter (if using) to the soup. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve the Soup:

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve Crockpot Potato Soup

Crockpot Potato Soup is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With Fresh Bread: Serve with crusty bread, a baguette, or rolls to soak up the creamy soup.
• As a Starter: This soup works beautifully as a starter for a larger meal, especially with a salad or roasted vegetables.
• Topped with Tasty Garnishes: Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy bacon to elevate the flavor.
• For a Cozy Meal: Pair it with a side salad and enjoy as a comforting, complete meal.
• For a Crowd: Serve this soup in a large pot at a gathering, offering a hearty option that can be easily doubled for bigger crowds.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Potato Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Crockpot Potato Soup turns out perfect every time:

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russets are the best choice for this soup, as their starch content helps thicken the broth, creating a creamy texture.
• Don’t Skip the Cream Cheese: The cream cheese is key to the creamy, velvety texture of this soup. You can substitute with sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Add Flavor Variations: Try adding herbs like rosemary or parsley, or incorporate a little smoked paprika for a different depth of flavor.
• Thicken the Soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken the broth.
• Avoid Overcooking the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process. Once tender, you can mash them to your preferred texture.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
• Slow Cooker Sizes: This recipe works well in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller or larger slow cooker, adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Potato Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crockpot Potato Soup:

• Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add chopped cooked bacon, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese for a loaded baked potato version.
• Cheddar and Broccoli Potato Soup: Stir in cooked broccoli florets for a cheesy, veggie-packed twist.
• Spicy Potato Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Garlic and Herb Potato Soup: Add fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme for an aromatic flavor.
• Vegan Potato Soup: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast in place of dairy.
• Chicken and Potato Soup: Add cooked chicken for a protein-packed version of the soup.
• Bacon-Wrapped Potato Soup: Add bacon-wrapped potato bites for a smoky, savory touch.
• Sausage Potato Soup: Swap the bacon for cooked sausage for an additional savory flavor.
• Curry Potato Soup: Add curry powder and a splash of coconut milk for a unique, spiced version.
• Cheeseburger Potato Soup: Add ground beef, pickles, and mustard for a fun, cheeseburger-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Potato Soup

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding more broth or cream if needed to loosen the soup.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Potato Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crockpot Potato Soup easier:

• Crockpot or Slow Cooker: A slow cooker is the key to making this soup effortlessly. Choose a 6-quart model for the best results.
• Potato Masher: A potato masher is great for mashing the potatoes, creating the perfect texture.
• Immersion Blender (Optional): If you want a smoother soup, an immersion blender allows you to blend the soup directly in the crockpot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for your ingredients.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers are perfect for storing leftovers or freezing the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Potato Soup

1. Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
   Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot, cook until the potatoes are tender, then mash and stir in the cream and cream cheese.
2. Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
   Yes, you can use red potatoes, though the soup may be slightly less creamy, as red potatoes have less starch than russets.
3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   To make the soup dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and skip the cream cheese and cheese toppings.
4. How can I make this soup thicker?
   To thicken the soup, mash more potatoes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Alternatively, cook the soup uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat and adjust the consistency if necessary before serving.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Potato Soup is a must-try recipe that’s both easy and delicious. Its creamy, comforting texture and rich flavors make it a go-to for any occasion. Whether you serve it with toppings like bacon and cheese or enjoy it as-is, this soup is perfect for chilly nights and cozy meals. Enjoy the hands-off cooking process and the fantastic results that make this dish a family favorite!

This recipe is as simple as it is satisfying, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to casual gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this potato soup will keep everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Crockpot Potato Soup turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!