This warm and creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup is a cozy treat! Made with tender potatoes, creamy broth, and just a hint of seasoning, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Making this soup is so easy—just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. You can top it with cheese or bacon bits for an extra tasty touch! Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They give the soup a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you can try pre-diced frozen potatoes as a shortcut!
Chicken Broth: For added flavor, bone broth works great here. If you need a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute and keeps the soup flavorful.
Cream: While heavy cream makes this soup extra rich, you can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. To make it dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a lot of flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you want something milder. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free option.
Bacon: If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute. You can also skip bacon altogether for a vegetarian soup or add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
How Do I Get the Right Soup Texture?
Getting the texture just right in potato soup is important, so here’s an easy way to achieve that balance of creamy and chunky. After your potatoes cook, you’ll mash some but leave some whole to keep it hearty. Follow these tips:
- Use a potato masher when the potatoes are tender, but don’t overdo it. You want some pieces left for texture!
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, an immersion blender can help, but only blend part of the soup for that balance.
- Adjusting the amount of heavy cream based on how thick you like your soup can give you a creamier or a lighter finish!
How to Make Crock Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the Crock Pot. After cooking, you’ll need an additional 15 minutes to stir in the cream and cheese, making the total time about 7-8 hours. Perfect for a cozy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by washing the potatoes and dicing them into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and easy!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Place the diced potatoes in the Crock Pot. Then, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Make sure to cover the potatoes completely with the broth.
3. Season and Stir:
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried thyme if you’re using it. Stir everything together well so that flavors can mix nicely.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’re looking for the potatoes to be nice and tender when it’s done.
5. Mash for Texture:
Once the cooking time is up, grab a potato masher and mash some of the potatoes right in the Crock Pot. This will thicken the soup while still keeping some chunky pieces for texture. Do this to your liking!
6. Add Cream and Cheese:
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped bacon. Allow the soup to heat through for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend everything together.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. It’s all about making it perfect for your taste!
8. Serve and Garnish:
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, serve it hot! Top with extra shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and sprinkle some green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your creamy and comforting crock pot potato soup! Perfect for a family meal or a cozy night in.
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a firmer texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different types.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For cheese, use a dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste as some substitutes may alter the flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Potato Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it may thicken in the fridge or freezer.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just make sure to dice them small and add them to the Crock Pot at the same time as the potatoes so they cook thoroughly.
