This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is the perfect way to warm up your evenings! It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, and cheese.
When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing like a bowl of this soup! I love to top mine with crispy bacon and green onions for a tasty touch. It’s kind of like a big hug in a bowl! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great because they’re starchy and make the soup creamy. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or red potatoes if you want them to hold their shape better.
Onion: A medium onion adds depth to the soup, but if you’re not an onion fan, skip it or use leeks for a milder taste.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works perfectly for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth can take this soup to the next level!
Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor! If you’re looking for a lighter option, pesto or nutritional yeast can add a nice twist, or use a non-dairy cheese if needed.
Bacon: Adding crumbled bacon on top gives a nice crunch. If you want a vegetarian soup, just leave it out or try crispy chickpeas instead!
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
Creating a creamy texture in your potato soup is easy with a few simple steps! After your potatoes cook until tender, you can decide how smooth you want it.
- Use a potato masher to mash about half the potatoes for a mix of smooth and chunky.
- If you have an immersion blender, just blend it directly in the crockpot for a creamier finish!
- Make sure to stir in cheese, sour cream, and milk thoroughly, letting the soup sit briefly on low heat to melt everything together.
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting potato soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After the cooking is done, you’ll need an extra 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving. Overall, it’s a hands-off recipe that lets your crockpot do all the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes. Next, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. This ensures everything cooks evenly and enhances the flavor of the soup.
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Stir everything together to combine.
3. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender and easily pierced with a fork—this is the perfect indicator that they’re done cooking!
4. Mash for Texture:
Once the cooking time is up, take a potato masher or an immersion blender and mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot. This will create a creamy base while keeping some chunks for a hearty texture.
5. Add Creamy Goodness:
Now, stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk. Mix well until everything is creamy and well combined. This step adds rich flavor and a comforting creaminess to the soup.
6. Season to Perfection:
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
7. Let It Meld:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup sit for an additional 15-30 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend beautifully together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon (if using) and sliced green onions for garnish. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cozy comfort bowl of potato soup!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give the soup a creamy texture, Yukon Gold potatoes have a buttery flavor that works wonderfully too. You can even use red potatoes for more firmness, but keep in mind the texture will vary slightly.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The flavor will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of milk to freshen it up!
Can I Freeze This Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze potato soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding a little milk if needed to restore creaminess.
