This Easy Comforting Crockpot Potato Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With soft potatoes, creamy broth, and a hint of seasoning, it’s a simple meal that warms your heart.
I love tossing everything in the crockpot and letting it do its magic. Plus, the smell filling the house makes it hard to wait! Perfect for chilly days when you need a cozy dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for this soup as they become soft and creamy when cooked. If you want a few extra nutrients, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which are buttery in flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes as they won’t break down as nicely.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. If you’re looking to make it dairy-free, try canned coconut milk or almond milk for a different flavor. Just know this will change the creaminess a bit!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for added flavor. If you want to mix it up, you can substitute with gouda, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Bacon: While bacon adds a delicious crunch, you can skip it for a vegetarian version. If you’re into alternatives, try crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a different texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Potato Soup?
The key to a creamy potato soup is in blending. Don’t worry about blending it completely smooth unless you prefer it that way. Here’s a simple method:
- Cook the soup until the potatoes are very tender, about 6-8 hours on low.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend to your desired consistency. If you don’t have one, ladle about half the soup into a countertop blender, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- To maintain some potato chunks, blend only half or blend the soup for a few seconds.
By doing this, you’ll have a nice creamy base with hearty chunks of potato that adds texture to every spoonful!
Easy Comforting Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 large 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 heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting crockpot potato soup will take about 15 minutes to prep. After that, let it cook in your crockpot for 6-8 hours on low. It’s a hands-off meal, making it perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly. Next, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything prepared makes cooking easy and fun!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), salt, black pepper, and dried herbs (if you’re using them). Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are really tender. It’s okay to peek, just be sure to keep the lid on as much as possible!
4. Blend the Soup:
Once the potatoes are soft, it’s time to make the soup creamy! Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until you reach your desired consistency. You can leave it a little chunky for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer half the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then mix it back in.
5. Add Creaminess and Flavor:
Stir in the butter, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until everything is melted and creamy. The soup should be rich and delicious at this point!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and add extra salt and pepper if you think it needs it. This step is important to make sure the flavors are just right!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup hot into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon (if using) and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives for a nice finishing touch!
Enjoy your cozy, creamy crockpot potato soup! It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal. 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes are great for a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery flavor. Just avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t break down as well in the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the bacon. For creaminess, you can use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and sour cream.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup’s consistency, as it may thicken when chilled.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove.
