This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender potatoes, cream, and just the right spices, it’s warm and filling. Perfect for chilly days!
I love how it cooks slowly, letting all those yummy flavors blend together. Plus, you can just set it and forget it—no fuss, just cozy vibes! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for this soup. They become creamy when cooked. You can substitute with red potatoes, but keep in mind they won’t break down as much.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, vegetable broth works just as well. Homemade broth is a great option if you have it on hand!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese brings a strong flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you might try shredded mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. For a healthier twist, Greek yogurt can substitute, or skip it for a lighter soup. You might also use a non-dairy yogurt for a vegan choice.
Bacon: While bacon is delicious, it’s totally optional. For a vegetarian version, you could use smoked paprika for a hint of the smoky flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Consistency?
The key to a creamy potato soup is to blend it to your desired consistency. Here’s how to do it well:
- Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher for a rustic feel or an immersion blender for smoothness—both work great!
- Add the butter and cheese while stirring to enhance creaminess. This step brings everything together.
- For an extra creamy texture, heating the cream before adding helps it blend in smoothly.
Feel free to taste and adjust! If it’s too thick, adding a splash of broth can help reach your perfect consistency.
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp butter
For Garnishing:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then cooks low and slow! You’ll need 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Just let it do its thing, and you’ll have a cozy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crockpot:
Start by spraying your crockpot with non-stick spray or lightly greasing it with butter to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier!
2. Add the Ingredients:
Next, toss in your diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients nicely.
3. Cook the Soup:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and cooked through. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes!
4. Mash to Your Liking:
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, grab a potato masher or use an immersion blender. Mash the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture or blend it smooth if you prefer a creamier soup!
5. Mix in the Creaminess:
Now, stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix everything well until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and delicious!
6. Taste & Season:
Don’t forget to taste your soup! Add more salt and pepper as needed until it’s just right for you.
7. Serve & Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, and top it off with crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and fresh chives or parsley for that beautiful touch!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your comforting crockpot potato soup with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing salad. It’s the perfect meal for those cozy days!
This recipe is simple to prepare and results in a rich, creamy, and hearty soup that’s sure to warm you up! Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best, you can also use red potatoes. Just keep in mind that red potatoes hold their shape better, so you’ll have more texture in your soup.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and coconut milk or cashew cream for creaminess.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Just add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up too much!
Can I Freeze This Potato Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’s best consumed within 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
