This Crockpot Potato Soup is warm, creamy, and super comforting. Just toss in potatoes, broth, and your favorite seasonings, and let the slow cooker do the magic!
You’ll love how it fills your home with delicious smells. Plus, it’s so easy that even a busy day can’t stop you from making it. Perfect for cozy nights in! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are perfect for soups because they become creamy when cooked. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower instead, which blends smoothly too!
Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but remember, vegetable broth works just as well for a vegetarian soup. You could also use bone broth for extra nutrients.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or even a smoked cheese for a different flavor profile. If you need a dairy-free option, vegan cheese can be substituted.
Sour Cream: For a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a great alternative and adds a nice tang. For dairy-free options, use coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt.
How Do I Get the Right Creaminess in My Soup?
The key to a creamy soup lies in how you prepare the potatoes. After cooking, mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot but leave some chunks for texture. This technique gives the soup a hearty feel without making it too smooth. Here’s how:
- Use a potato masher for a few quick mashes.
- If you want an even silkier texture, an immersion blender is perfect. Just blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- Lastly, be sure to stir in the cheese and cream at the end—this ensures they melt beautifully and contribute to the creamy texture.
Enjoy your cooking, and I hope this soup warms your heart and home!
Delicious Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6-7 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
For Creaminess:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup half and half or heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Once it’s done cooking, you’ll need about 5-10 minutes to finish up with mixing in the creamy ingredients. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken (or vegetable) broth, water, salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika if you’re using it. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients well.
2. Set Up Your Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are very tender.
3. Mash for Creaminess:
Once the cooking time is up, take a potato masher or immersion blender and mash some of the potatoes inside the crockpot. This helps thicken the soup while still leaving some delicious chunky bits.
4. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half and half (or heavy cream). Keep stirring until everything is melted and mixed together nicely. This is what makes the soup rich and creamy!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste, and add any additional salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to make it just right!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the hot soup in bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your creamy, hearty crockpot potato soup! Perfect for sharing or a tasty meal just for yourself!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Soup?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their creaminess, you can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly buttery flavor or red potatoes for a firmer texture. Just remember to adjust cooking time if you choose a different variety.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you can keep everything else the same. You could also add some extra veggies for flavor and texture if you’d like!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
