This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is perfect for a cozy meal! With creamy potatoes, savory broth, and a hint of seasonings, it warms you right up.
I love how I can just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while I relax. Plus, it’s great topped with cheese and crispy bacon—who can resist that? 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I love using russet potatoes because they’re fluffy and creamy when cooked. If you want a different texture, you could try Yukon Gold potatoes which are buttery and smooth!
Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian option. You can even use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my favorite for that classic taste. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, mozzarella or Monterey Jack works too!
Bacon: While it’s optional, cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. For a vegetarian take, try using crispy fried shallots or smoked paprika for that savory depth without meat.
Sour Cream: I prefer sour cream for its tanginess, but Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want something lighter and creamier!
How Do I Get Creamy Texture in My Potato Soup?
The key to creamy potato soup is in the mashing! After cooking, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender. This step allows some chunks to remain, giving a rustic feel while still achieving creaminess.
- For the best result, wait a few minutes after the soup is done cooking; it makes mashing easier.
- Be gentle with the blending; you don’t want to turn it into a completely smooth puree unless that’s your goal.
- Adding butter and cheese at the end enhances creaminess, so don’t skip those!
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is pretty convenient! You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients. Once everything is in the crockpot, just let it cook for 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Then, a quick blending and mixing at the end, and you’re ready to enjoy this comforting soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
First, peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Getting everything ready first makes the cooking process so much smoother!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into the crockpot. Stir everything together a bit to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender and easily mashable. The longer it cooks on low, the better the flavors will blend!
4. Mash and Mix:
Once the cooking time is done, take a potato masher or immersion blender and mash the potatoes right in the crockpot. This will create a lovely creamy texture while leaving some chunks for that delicious rustic feel.
5. Add Creaminess:
Now stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and milk (or heavy cream). Mix everything well until the cheese melts and it’s nice and creamy. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Grab your favorite soup bowls and serve the potato soup hot. Top it off with crumbled bacon (if using) and sprinkle fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your comforting and easy crockpot potato soup! Perfect for chilly nights or anytime you crave a warm meal. 🥣
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can substitute with Yukon Gold for a slightly buttery flavor or even red potatoes, which hold their shape well. Just remember that different potatoes may affect the creaminess, so adjust accordingly!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can also add extra veggies like carrots and celery for more flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup! Just be aware the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-friendly containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream to restore creaminess if needed!
