This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is perfect for cozy nights. Creamy and warm, it’s packed with tender potatoes, onions, and just the right spices to make you feel right at home!
And let’s be real, what’s better than a big bowl of soup that cooks itself? I love throwing everything in the pot, then kicking back and relaxing while it does all the work. So simple and heartwarming!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are great for soup as they become creamy when cooked. If you don’t have russets, Yukon Golds work well too. They add a buttery flavor that can elevate your soup.
Onion & Garlic: These add essential flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use onion powder (1 tablespoon) and garlic powder (1 teaspoon) instead.
Broth: Chicken broth enhances the depth of flavor, but vegetable broth is a perfect substitution for a vegetarian option. You can also use low-sodium broth if you’d like to control the saltiness.
Cream Cheese: It adds a creamy texture. For a lower-fat option, consider using Greek yogurt or sour cream, but add it just before serving to avoid curdling.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice touch, but you can leave it out for a vegetarian version or substitute with turkey bacon for a healthier choice. Smoked paprika could also add a hint of smokiness.
How Do I Make the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup?
The key to a creamy potato soup is in the cooking and blending technique. Start by cooking potatoes until they’re super soft. They will break down easily when you mash them.
- Use a potato masher for larger chunks or an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Just be careful not to over-blend; some potato chunks enhance the soup’s heartiness.
- Incorporate cream cheese and heavy cream gradually. This ensures an even creaminess without clumps.
- Mix in cheese last—allowing it to melt creates that perfect rich flavor you want.
Feel free to tweak the seasonings as you go. Taste-testing is crucial for that perfect bowl of soup!
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 option)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy potato soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, it will cook in your crockpot for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. If you’re using celery and carrots, chop them up too. This will help everything cook evenly in the crockpot!
2. Load the Crockpot:
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, celery, and carrots into your crockpot. It’s okay to leave out the optional ingredients if you don’t have them!
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily poke them with a fork!
5. Mash the Potatoes:
Once the cooking time is up, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to gently mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot. This creates a creamy texture while still leaving some chunky bits for a hearty bite!
6. Add Creaminess:
Stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully melted and combined. Then, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until they melt into the soup.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste! You might want to add a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your preference. Adjust as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the creamy potato soup hot, and finish it with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley or chives on top. It’s the perfect cozy meal!
Enjoy your cozy, creamy crockpot potato soup!
FAQ about Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but you’ll want to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes on high or 1-2 hours on low, as frozen potatoes take longer to cook through. Just ensure they’re fully cooked and tender before mashing!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
To make it vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also omit the bacon or replace it with crispy plant-based bacon if you’d like!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to revive the texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This soup is versatile, so feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or bell peppers. Just be sure to chop them to similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking!
