This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is creamy and comforting, perfect for chilly days! With potatoes, cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs, it warms you up from the inside out.
Making this soup is a breeze! Just toss everything into the crockpot, and hours later, you get a cozy meal. I love to top mine with some crispy bacon—because, yum! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this soup because they become nice and creamy when cooked. If you want something different, Yukon Gold potatoes are a good substitute—they have a buttery flavor!
Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. If you’re vegetarian, vegetable broth is perfect. For a richer flavor, homemade broth is always a great choice!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, medium cheddar works too. For a twist, consider using pepper jack cheese for some extra kick.
Sour Cream: This gives the soup creaminess. If you want a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful alternative—it still offers that creamy texture while being a bit healthier.
Bacon: While optional, crumbled bacon adds fantastic flavor. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked paprika to give a similar earthy taste.
How Do You Get a Creamy Texture in Your Soup?
The key to achieving that creamy texture lies in how you blend your potatoes. An immersion blender lets you puree part of the soup right in the crockpot. This keeps some potato chunks for texture while making it creamy.
- Start by cooking the potatoes until they’re tender, about 6-8 hours on low.
- Once done, gently blend half of the soup. If you don’t have an immersion blender, scoop some potatoes into a bowl, mash them, and return to the soup.
- Stir in the cheese, butter, and milk to create a rich consistency.
This technique gives your soup a nice balance of creaminess without losing that hearty potato feel!
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup comes together with just a little prep time! You’ll need about 15 minutes to chop and measure everything out. Then, you let the crockpot work its magic by cooking for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, in total, plan for around 6-8 hours (or 3-4 if you’re in a hurry) plus your prep time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
First, grab your crockpot! Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, and your choice of broth into the crockpot. Use a spoon to give everything a gentle stir, making sure all the ingredients are combined nicely.
2. Cook It Up:
Next, put the lid on the crockpot. Set it to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. Your potatoes should be nice and tender when it’s done!
3. Make It Creamy:
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to create that creamy texture! Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup right in the crockpot. This will give you a smooth base while keeping some potato chunks for extra bite. If you don’t have an immersion blender, no worries! Just scoop out 2 cups of the potatoes, mash them in a separate bowl, and stir them back into the soup.
4. Add the Creaminess:
Now for the tasty part! Stir in the milk, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream into the soup. Mix it all together until the cheese is melted and everything is nice and warm. This will make the soup rich and creamy—yum!
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. When you’re ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls and top it off with crumbled bacon (if you’re using it) and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your warm and cozy potato soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery flavor. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may yield varying textures in the final soup.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the bacon. You can still achieve delicious flavor by adding more seasonings like smoked paprika or using a vegetarian cheese if desired.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this potato soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove, adding liquid as needed to reach the desired consistency.
