This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is the perfect dish for chilly days! With creamy potatoes, onions, and just the right spices, it warms you from head to toe.
You can toss the ingredients in your crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy. Who wouldn’t love that kind of magic? 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for making this soup because they break down well, giving a nice creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use Yukon Gold or even red potatoes, but they may not get as creamy.
Broth: Chicken broth adds a rich flavor, but if you need a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works perfectly. You can also make your own broth for a fresher taste. Just avoid the boxed ones if you can!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese brings a delightful sharpness. You could substitute it with Monterey Jack or a blend of different cheeses for varied flavors. For a dairy-free option, try shredded vegan cheese.
Sour Cream: This ingredient gives the soup its creamy touch. Greek yogurt makes for a healthy swap, and it still adds that tangy flavor. If you need a non-dairy alternative, use coconut yogurt.
Bacon: While the bacon adds delicious smokiness, feel free to skip it for a vegetarian soup. You could sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top for that satisfying crunch instead!
How Do You Get That Creamy Texture in Your Soup?
Getting the right creamy texture is crucial for this soup. Here’s how to achieve that perfect consistency:
- Cook the potatoes until they’re tender; this usually takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, making it creamy while leaving some chunks for texture. If you don’t have one, just mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot with a spoon.
- Once blended, add in butter, cheese, sour cream, and milk to make it even richer. Make sure to stir well until everything is melted and combined!
Remember, tasting and adjusting the seasoning towards the end makes all the difference in the final flavor!
How to Make Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Creaminess:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
For Extra Flavor (Optional):
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can let your crockpot do the magic! It will take about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to cook. So, just set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a bowl of cozy soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes. Chop the onion finely and mince your garlic cloves. Gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to cook!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), water, salt, black pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika into the crockpot. Make sure to stir everything together well to mix the flavors!
3. Cook Until Tender:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be very tender; they should easily fall apart when you poke them with a fork.
4. Blend for Creaminess:
Once the cooking time is up and the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup partially. This will create a smooth, creamy base while still keeping some potato chunks for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, simply mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot with a spoon.
5. Add Creaminess:
Next, stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk (or cream). Mix everything together until the cheese melts and the soup becomes rich and creamy. Taste it and add more seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you’re using bacon, stir in the crumbled pieces now. Ladle your delicious potato soup into bowls and garnish with additional cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your homemade soup!
Warm yourself up with this cozy, creamy crockpot potato soup!
FAQ About Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes work best for their creamy texture, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that red potatoes may not break down as much, giving you a chunkier soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make this soup vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, replace the sour cream with coconut yogurt or a cashew cream, and skip the bacon. It will still be delicious and creamy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
