Creamy & Comforting Crockpot Potato Soup: Your Ultimate Slow Cooker Guide
When the cold winds blow and snowflakes begin to fall, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to chase away the chill. And if that soup can cook itself while you go about your day, even better! That’s where the magic of crockpot cooking shines. Slow cookers are the ultimate kitchen companion for creating deeply flavorful, comforting meals with minimal effort. While Crock Pot Chili is a beloved classic for cold weather, this Crockpot Potato Soup takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s a creamy, loaded potato soup that practically makes itself, offering a warm embrace on any chilly evening.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about returning home to the inviting aroma of a delicious meal simmering away. Crockpot soup recipes, much like a good Ham and Bean Soup, are a staple in my kitchen for this very reason. This potato soup perfectly embodies that effortless comfort. You simply combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it transform simple potatoes into a rich, velvety soup. It requires so little hands-on work, yet delivers such a wonderfully cozy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Why Crockpot Potato Soup is a Must-Try
This creamy potato soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming memory from my childhood. Growing up in the snowy winters of Minnesota and Wisconsin, a steaming bowl of potato soup was a frequent and much-anticipated dinner. It was the perfect antidote to endless cold nights, offering warmth and satisfaction. It’s also an excellent way to use up any extra potatoes you might have lying around, much like my popular Twice Baked Loaded Potato Casserole. Adding generous amounts of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese is always a guaranteed hit in my household, turning a simple soup into a truly indulgent experience.
The beauty of a potato soup made in the crockpot lies in its convenience and the depth of flavor it develops over hours of slow cooking. The potatoes break down beautifully, absorbing all the savory notes from the broth, onions, and garlic. When blended to your preferred consistency, it becomes either a smooth, elegant bisque or a chunky, rustic stew. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser for any family dinner or gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Potato Soup
Crafting a truly spectacular crockpot potato soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy texture and deeply satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some notes on why each ingredient matters:
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for soups as they break down easily, creating a wonderfully creamy base. For a slightly different texture, you could try Yukon Golds, which offer a naturally buttery flavor and don’t require peeling if you prefer a more rustic soup, though peeling is recommended for a smoother consistency in this recipe.
- Onions: A large, finely chopped onion provides an aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and depth to the broth as it slowly cooks with the potatoes.
- Roasted Garlic: While optional, roasted garlic elevates this soup with its sweet, mellow, and slightly smoky flavor, far richer than raw garlic. If you’ve never tried it, my How To Make Roasted Garlic guide has all the tips you need. However, 4 cloves of minced fresh garlic will work perfectly if you’re short on time.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our soup. Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the seasoning precisely. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap this for vegetable broth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients. Always taste and adjust to your preference, especially when using regular (not low-sodium) broth.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the soup gets its luxurious, velvety texture. Added at the end, it provides richness and creaminess without breaking down during the long cooking process.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that complements the creamy soup beautifully. It’s a classic topping for a reason!
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded cheddar cheese melts into the hot soup, adding a tangy, cheesy goodness.
- Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions provide a mild, oniony bite and a pop of color, cutting through the richness of the soup.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup
For the exact measurements and full instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Begin by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes. While I often enjoy potato skins in many dishes, for a smooth and creamy potato soup, peeling is key. Leaving the peels on can result in an odd, stringy consistency when you puree the soup, as the peels tend to separate and create an unpleasant texture. Aim for roughly uniform dice sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Load the Crockpot: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced roasted garlic (or raw garlic), salt, pepper, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine the seasonings. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. The exact cooking time can vary based on your crockpot model and the size of your potato pieces; smaller dice will cook faster. The potatoes are ready when they are easily pierced with a fork and tender.
- Mash to Perfection: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to create that signature creamy consistency. You have a few options here:
- Potato Masher: For a rustic, chunky soup with some texture, use a traditional potato masher directly in the crockpot.
- Immersion Blender (Stick Blender): For a smoother, velvety soup, an immersion blender is incredibly convenient. Carefully blend the soup directly in the crockpot until it reaches your desired smoothness.
- Regular Blender or Food Processor: If you prefer an extra-smooth, restaurant-quality bisque, you can carefully ladle batches of the soup into a standard blender or food processor. Be cautious when blending hot liquids – never fill the blender more than halfway, and remove the center cap from the lid (covering the opening with a kitchen towel) to allow steam to escape. Blend until smooth, then return to the crockpot.
- Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir it thoroughly until it’s completely incorporated and the soup is smooth and uniformly creamy. Place the lid back on the crockpot and allow the soup to warm through for another 20-30 minutes. This ensures the cream is heated properly and the flavors meld beautifully. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the hot potato soup into bowls and garnish generously with your favorite toppings! Classic choices include crispy crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions.
Recipe Tips & Delicious Variations
To ensure your Crockpot Potato Soup is absolutely perfect every time, and to give you ideas for customization, here are some helpful tips and variations:
- Make it Meat-Free/Vegetarian: It’s incredibly easy to adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For toppings, omit the bacon and load up on extra cheese, chives, sour cream, or even toasted croutons for added texture.
- Seasoning Control: I highly recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. This gives you complete control over the saltiness of your soup. If you opt for regular chicken broth, be sure to significantly reduce the initial amount of salt added and taste frequently, adjusting only as needed to prevent it from becoming too salty.
- Garlic Alternatives: While roasted garlic offers an unparalleled depth of flavor, it does require a bit of extra time. If you’re in a rush, simply substitute the head of roasted garlic with about 4 cloves of freshly minced raw garlic. It will still impart a wonderful garlicky aroma and taste.
- Get Creative with Toppings: The toppings are truly where this soup shines! Beyond the classic bacon, cheddar, and green onions, consider adding:
- Sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
- Fresh chives for a milder onion flavor.
- Crispy fried onions or croutons for extra crunch.
- Different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- A dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for a subtle kick.
- Steamed broccoli florets or corn for added vegetables.
- Storing Leftovers: Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. When reheating, you might notice it has thickened considerably. To achieve the desired consistency, add a splash of milk, cream, or extra broth while gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well until smooth.
Can You Freeze Potato Soup?
Yes, absolutely! Potato soup is a fantastic candidate for freezing, which makes it perfect for meal prep or saving for those extra busy days. In fact, it was often found in my freezer when I was growing up, ready for a quick and comforting meal. You can freeze an entire batch or portion it out into individual servings for ultimate convenience. Properly stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container, it will maintain its quality for 4-5 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra milk or broth to restore its creamy texture after thawing.
What to Serve with Your Creamy Potato Soup
A hearty bowl of potato soup pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Homemade Olive Garden Breadsticks
- Fluffy Easy Biscuits
- Savory Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Fragrant Rosemary Focaccia Bread
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- A classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting “soup and sandwich” combo.
Can I Make This Without A Crockpot?
Absolutely! While the crockpot offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to set it and forget it, you can easily make this delicious potato soup on the stovetop. The core cooking method for the potatoes remains the same, just with a different heat source. Simply use a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven. Add the potatoes, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your potato dice. Once the potatoes are tender, proceed with mashing or pureeing and adding the cream as instructed in the crockpot recipe. The rest of the steps remain identical, ensuring you get the same creamy, comforting potato soup, just a little faster!
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of warm, comforting soups, you’ll love exploring these other delicious recipes:
- Homemade Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
- Hearty Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Flavorful Lasagna Soup
- Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
- Wholesome Beef Barley Soup
- Quick Instant Pot Beef Stew
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 head roasted garlic, minced
- 8 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 3 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
Toppings
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- green onions
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Add potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crock pot. Pour chicken stock over potatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 5-6 hours on low.
- Once the potatoes are fork tender, use a potato masher to mash until your desired consistency. You can use a stick blender if you want it smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and stir until smooth. Cook for 30 more minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper as desired.
- When ready to serve to with cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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