This easy crockpot potato soup is perfect for cozy meals at home. With creamy potatoes, savory broth, and just the right spices, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Honestly, the best part is just tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do all the work. I love serving it with some crunchy bread; it’s a match made in comfort food heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes as they provide a creamy texture. If you’re short on time, you could use pre-diced frozen potatoes.
Broth: Chicken broth adds a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a sharp taste. Alternatively, try Gruyère or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: While it adds a savory crunch, you can easily skip it for a vegetarian option or use turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.
Sour Cream: You can swap this for Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Has the Right Consistency?
Getting the right texture is key to a delicious potato soup. Using an immersion blender helps achieve a creamy base without fully pureeing all the ingredients. Here’re some tips:
- Blend about half of the soup until smooth. This gives creaminess while keeping some potato chunks for texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer some soup to a regular blender and return it once smooth.
- For a thicker soup, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to evaporate some liquid.
With these tips and substitutions, you can make this soup even more to your taste. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, 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 heavy cream or milk
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then simmers in the crockpot. You’ll want to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are nice and tender. Perfect for a busy day when you want a warm meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
Grab your crockpot and toss in the peeled and diced potatoes along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Add the butter, chicken (or vegetable) broth, salt, black pepper, and thyme if you’re using it. Give it a little stir so everything gets mixed up well.
2. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to get the potatoes nice and tender so they can easily be blended for that creamy soup consistency.
3. Blending for Creaminess:
Once the cooking time is up, take an immersion blender and blend the soup right in the crockpot until you reach your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier soup, blend just half of it! If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender, and then return it to the pot.
4. Adding the Creaminess:
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream (or milk). Mix it all together and heat on low for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through.
5. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. It’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with crumbled bacon if you’re using it, and top with some fresh chopped green onions or chives.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of easy crockpot potato soup! It’s the perfect dish for those cozy nights in.
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, you can also use red potatoes or even baby potatoes. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit depending on the type of potato used.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use dairy-free cheese and yogurt, and omit the bacon. You can add some extra spices or smoked paprika to enhance the flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and add them at the beginning so they cook with the potatoes.
