This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes, perfect for cozy nights in!
With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can let the soup do its thing while you kick back. I love topping mine with cheese and bacon—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are great for this soup due to their creamy texture. If you want a different flavor, try red potatoes. They hold their shape well, so you’d get nice chunks in your soup.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds rich flavor, but you can use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth can elevate the taste, but store-bought is fine too!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives the soup that comforting, cheesy goodness. You can swap it with Monterey Jack or even cream cheese for a different creaminess.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a touch of tang. Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative if you’re watching calories. Just adjust your seasoning slightly, as yogurt can have a tangier flavor.
Bacon: Bacon brings a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika for that smoky taste.
How Do I Get Creamy, Perfectly Blended Soup?
To achieve that creamy texture, using an immersion blender is key. Here’s how you can get it just right:
- Once your potatoes are tender, insert the immersion blender into the soup and blend a few times to break up some potatoes, while keeping some chunks for texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer about half of the soup to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return it to the crockpot.
- Remember to blend in batches if using a regular blender to avoid spills—safety first!
This step really elevates the soup, transforming it from chunky to creamy, without losing that hearty feel.
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- Green onions or chives, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy potato soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Vegetables:
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Once done, place all these prepared ingredients into your crockpot.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the crockpot over the vegetables. Give it a good stir to combine everything. This base is going to provide wonderful flavor!
3. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot, and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Blend for Creaminess:
Once the potatoes are soft, take an immersion blender and blend the soup gently, leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
5. Add the Creaminess:
Stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk or heavy cream. Mix well to incorporate everything, creating that rich and creamy soup we love!
6. Season to Taste:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want to add a bit of herb flavor, sprinkle in thyme or parsley. Stir well and let it heat on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, until everything is melted and delicious.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Scoop out the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon (if using) and sliced green onions or chives for freshness. It’s a cozy meal, perfect for any day!
8. Enjoy!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your hearty bowl of crockpot potato soup! It’s the perfect comfort food for those chilly evenings.
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes! Just add them to the crockpot and increase the cooking time by about an hour. No need to thaw them first!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover potato soup can be stored 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.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt. You can skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese option for added flavor!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
You can try adding chopped carrots or celery at the beginning for more veggies! Also, a splash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
