This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is perfect for cozy nights! Just toss some potatoes, onions, and broth into the crockpot, and let it do the work while you relax.
I love how it makes the whole house smell amazing, and you can top it with cheese or bacon just before serving. Yum, who can resist that? 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Use Russet potatoes for a fluffy texture, or Yukon Gold for a creamier option. If you’re short on time, pre-peeled or frozen potatoes work well too!
Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but vegetable broth is a perfect choice for vegetarians. Homemade is wonderful if you have it, but store-bought works just fine.
Creaminess: I enjoy half-and-half for added richness, but regular milk makes a lighter soup. For a non-dairy option, use almond milk or coconut milk.
Bacon: If you’re vegetarian, you can skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon. I sometimes substitute crispy chickpeas for a nice crunch without meat.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture for My Soup?
The key to a creamy soup lies in how you handle the potatoes. After cooking, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some potatoes. This gives the soup that creamy, velvety texture while still keeping some chunkiness for interest.
- Start by mashing about half of the potatoes, allowing a mix of creamy and chunky textures.
- For an even smoother soup, blend it completely, but leave some lumps for a hearty feel if you prefer.
Don’t hesitate to do a taste test! Adjust the amount of cheese or cream to get your desired richness. A little extra cheese stirred in at the end can elevate the flavor.
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups peeled and diced potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
For the Creamy Base:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings:
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Others:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 6-8 hours for cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. A perfect recipe for a carefree cozy night at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Your Ingredients:
In the crockpot, add your diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is the base of your delicious soup!
2. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When finished, the potatoes should be very tender—just like a warm hug on a chilly night!
3. Mash for Creaminess:
Once the cooking time is up, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot. This will give the soup a creamy texture while leaving some lovely chunks to enjoy.
4. Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it turns golden, creating a roux. This will help make your soup nice and thick!
5. Stir In the Milk:
Carefully whisk the milk or half-and-half into the roux. Stir it continuously and cook until the mixture thickens up—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Mix It All Together:
Pour the milk mixture along with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream into the crockpot. Stir everything together until the cheese is nicely melted and incorporated into the soup. Mmm, so good!
7. Season to Perfection:
Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, sprinkle in some crumbled bacon for added flavor and crunch. Mix it in and let the soup heat through for another 15-20 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your soup is heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh herbs if you like. Get cozy and enjoy your warm, comforting crockpot potato soup!
It’s perfect for those chilly nights when all you need is a bowl of deliciousness to warm you up! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes! Just toss them straight into the crockpot without thawing. It may take an extra 30 minutes to cook, but you’ll still get a delicious result!
Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
Absolutely! For an even creamier soup, you can increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or add a little extra sour cream just before serving. For a velvety texture, consider blending the entire soup after cooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What Are Some Tasty Toppings I Can Use?
There are so many great options! Try crumbled bacon, diced green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also add crispy fried onions or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra flavor boost!
