Crockpot Potato Soup

Introduction

Crockpot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights when you want a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. This slow-cooked soup combines tender potatoes, creamy broth, and savory seasonings for a satisfying dish that will leave you feeling full and content.

The first time I made this soup, I was amazed at how easy it was to throw everything into the Crockpot and let it work its magic. By dinnertime, the house was filled with a comforting aroma, and the soup was ready to serve with minimal cleanup. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and top it with your favorite garnishes.

Topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions, this soup becomes a customizable treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, Crockpot Potato Soup is a simple and delicious way to bring comfort to your table.

Perfect for:

• Cold weather
• Busy weeknights
• Family dinners
• Comfort food lovers
• Game day parties

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Soup

Here’s why Crockpot Potato Soup will become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common kitchen ingredients, making it easy to prepare even on busy days.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of potatoes and cream creates a rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for a comforting bowl of soup.
• Hands-Off Cooking: With the Crockpot, you can set it and forget it while the soup simmers to perfection.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or bacon, to make the soup your own.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavor and hearty ingredients make this soup a hit with both kids and adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-8 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (without toppings)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Potato Soup:

• 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)

Ingredient Highlights

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down and create a creamy texture when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier finish.
• Chicken Broth: The broth provides a savory base for the soup. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even bone broth for added flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup creamy and rich. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk.
• Bacon and Cheddar: Crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese are optional, but they add a delicious, savory crunch and extra flavor to the soup.
• Seasonings: Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika enhance the flavor of the soup without overpowering the potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Crockpot Potato Soup:

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Add the Potatoes and Vegetables: Place the peeled and diced potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic into the Crockpot.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika (if using), and stir to combine. Ensure the potatoes are covered by the broth.
3. Set the Crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and easily mashable with a fork.

Make the Soup Creamy:

4. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the Crockpot. This will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. For a smoother soup, you can also use an immersion blender.
5. Add Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), butter, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Finish and Serve:

6. Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if necessary.
7. Serve and Top: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions for garnish.

How to Serve Crockpot Potato Soup

Crockpot Potato Soup is delicious on its own or served with various accompaniments:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
• Topped with Extras: Add extra toppings like sour cream, crumbled bacon, or shredded cheese to make it even more indulgent.
• As a Starter: Serve as a starter for a larger meal, such as with grilled chicken or a salad.
• For a Light Lunch or Dinner: This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips for Crockpot Potato Soup

Here are some tips to make your Crockpot Potato Soup even better:

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for this soup because their high starch content makes the soup creamy without needing a thickening agent.
• Mash Some of the Potatoes: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the Crockpot. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.
• Don’t Skip the Toppings: The toppings (cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions) make a big difference in flavor and texture. Don’t skip them!
• Use Full-Fat Cream: For the richest, creamiest soup, use heavy cream or full-fat half-and-half. You can substitute with milk for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be as rich.
• Cook Low and Slow: For the best flavor, cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works, but low heat allows the flavors to develop more fully.

Recipe Variations for Crockpot Potato Soup

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

• Loaded Potato Soup: Top the soup with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives for a loaded version.
• Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup: Add extra cheese and crispy bacon throughout the soup for an even more indulgent dish.
• Vegan Potato Soup: Use vegetable broth and swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy Potato Soup: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Chive and Bacon Potato Soup: Use fresh chives instead of green onions and load up on crumbled bacon.
• Chicken and Potato Soup: Add cooked shredded chicken to the soup for added protein and flavor.
• Sausage and Potato Soup: Brown some sausage and stir it into the soup for a hearty, savory addition.
• Cauliflower Potato Soup: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version of this soup.
• Baked Potato Soup: Add sour cream and top the soup with diced baked potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Smoky Potato Soup: Add a little smoked paprika or smoked sausage for a smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Crockpot Potato Soup

• Freezing: To freeze the soup, let it cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a bit of broth or cream when reheating, as the soup thickens as it sits.

Special Equipment for Crockpot Potato Soup

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

• Crockpot: A slow cooker is essential for this recipe to cook the soup low and slow.
• Potato Masher: A potato masher is useful for mashing the potatoes directly in the Crockpot.
• Immersion Blender: An immersion blender can be used to blend part of the soup for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients like broth, cream, and seasonings.
• Ladle: A ladle makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Potato Soup

1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this soup?
   Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook a bit faster than fresh potatoes.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   Yes, use coconut milk or almond milk for the cream, and vegetable broth for the base. Omit the cheese and bacon or use dairy-free alternatives.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for longer storage.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   Yes, you can add carrots, celery, or even spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the potatoes.
5. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
   Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot for 30-45 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

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Conclusion

Crockpot Potato Soup is a hearty, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and easy ingredients, this soup delivers big flavor and is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you enjoy it with your favorite toppings, serve it as a side, or make it the main course, this slow-cooked comfort food will keep you coming back for more!