Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Comfort
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to make and will warm you up on a cold day, this Crockpot Potato Soup recipe is exactly what you need! Perfect for busy evenings or chilly weekends, this slow cooker version of potato soup is creamy, hearty, and filled with delicious ingredients that your whole family will love.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity. With only 5 minutes of prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this potato soup comes together effortlessly. Plus, it’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy on a chilly day or to serve as a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. This creamy potato soup can also be made ahead of time and stored for later – it only gets better the next day!
Why This Crockpot Potato Soup is Perfect for You
If you’ve been searching for the best crockpot potato soup recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe combines classic ingredients like potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, transforming them into a rich, comforting soup that can be made in the slow cooker.
But that’s not all! Here are a few reasons why this soup is perfect for you:
- Effortless preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make this soup with minimal effort. Perfect for anyone who’s short on time but still wants a flavorful meal.
- Customizable: Whether you want to make it gluten-free, low-carb, or add extra ingredients like ham, this recipe is versatile and can be tailored to your tastes or dietary needs.
- Comforting & filling: This creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, providing a satisfying meal that will keep you warm and full throughout the day.
Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup
This Crockpot Potato Soup recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Below is the list of ingredients for crockpot potato soup that will make your meal rich and comforting.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes (peeled and diced) | 6 medium-sized potatoes |
| Bacon (diced) | 6 slices |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (chopped) | For garnish |
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for making a creamy base and adding a hearty texture to your soup. They absorb flavors wonderfully and break down slightly when cooked, making the soup thick and comforting.
- Bacon: Adds a savory crunch and extra flavor. Bacon’s smokiness pairs perfectly with the creamy base of the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: This cheese is the ultimate addition for a rich, cheesy taste that enhances the soup’s flavor and makes it incredibly creamy.
- Cream Cheese: Provides extra creaminess and thickness to the soup, making it velvety smooth.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor depth and is an essential base for any good soup.
You can easily swap out ingredients to customize this recipe to fit your preferences. For a gluten-free potato soup, simply use gluten-free broth and ensure that your cheese doesn’t contain gluten.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crockpot Potato Soup
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, making this creamy potato soup in the slow cooker is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow the simple instructions below to create a perfect bowl of potato soup:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes and Vegetables
Start by peeling and dicing the Russet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. This prep work takes just a few minutes but helps ensure that everything cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Once the veggies are ready, place the diced potatoes, bacon, onion, and garlic into the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a quick stir to mix everything together. Set the crockpot to low heat and let it cook for 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high heat for about 4 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base
After the potatoes have softened, it’s time to add the creamy components. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. Then, pour in the half-and-half cream. Stir everything together to create a smooth, creamy base. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to melt and blend into the soup.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Final Touches
Once the soup is creamy and thick, add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Toppings and Serving
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra shredded cheddar, and crispy bacon bits if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for the ultimate comfort meal.
Why This Recipe Is the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
This slow cooker potato soup recipe isn’t just easy; it’s made with wholesome ingredients that provide a well-balanced, rich flavor. The creamy potato soup made in the crockpot can be stored for several days, making it perfect for meal prep or a filling weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients like using turkey bacon, ham, or even plant-based options for a vegan potato soup. There’s no wrong way to make this!
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, store it in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy it later. You can easily double the recipe for larger batches.
- Comforting & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber from the potatoes, this soup is not only delicious but filling and nutritious.
Variations of Crockpot Potato Soup You Can Try
One of the best things about this Crockpot Potato Soup recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily modify it to fit your dietary preferences or make it even more exciting with some fun twists. Whether you’re looking to make it gluten-free, low-carb, or add a little extra flavor, these variations will keep your potato soup recipe exciting every time.
Low-Carb Crockpot Potato Soup
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy a hearty, creamy potato soup without the carbs! The solution is simple—swap out the potatoes for cauliflower. The texture and flavor will still be comforting and creamy, but with far fewer carbs.
Here’s what you’ll need for this low-carb crockpot potato soup:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (florets, chopped) | 6 cups |
| Bacon (diced) | 6 slices |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (chopped) | For garnish |
This low-carb potato soup will be just as creamy and satisfying as the original version, but with far fewer carbohydrates, making it a perfect option for anyone on a keto diet or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake.
Vegetarian Crockpot Potato Soup
This vegetarian crockpot potato soup version is great for anyone avoiding meat or looking for a lighter option. You can keep all the creamy goodness of the original recipe and still enjoy a satisfying, hearty soup. Plus, it’s a perfect option for those following a plant-based diet.
Here’s how to adjust the recipe to make it vegetarian:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes (peeled and diced) | 6 medium-sized potatoes |
| Vegetable broth | 4 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (chopped) | For garnish |
For a vegan potato soup alternative, replace the half-and-half with coconut cream or any plant-based cream, and opt for a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Adding Protein: Ham or Chicken
Sometimes, you want to add a little extra protein to your potato soup to make it a more complete meal. Adding ham or chicken is a great way to take this soup to the next level while keeping the flavor rich and savory.
Ham Potato Soup (Perfect for Leftovers)
If you have leftover ham from a holiday meal or a Sunday roast, this is the perfect way to use it up! Simply chop up the ham and add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. The ham adds a deliciously salty and smoky flavor to the soup, making it a satisfying meal.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes (peeled and diced) | 6 medium-sized potatoes |
| Ham (cubed) | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (chopped) | For garnish |
Chicken Potato Soup
Another great protein-packed variation is chicken potato soup. You can add cooked, shredded chicken to the soup once it’s cooked through, or use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. The chicken will blend beautifully with the creamy soup base and make for a filling meal.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes (peeled and diced) | 6 medium-sized potatoes |
| Chicken (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium onion |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Half-and-half cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Green onions (chopped) | For garnish |
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Crockpot Potato Soup
Now that you have your delicious crockpot potato soup, let’s talk about how to store and reheat it for later.
Storing Crockpot Potato Soup
After enjoying a bowl of this comforting soup, you can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure the soup cools down completely before placing it in an airtight container. For meal prepping, this is a perfect recipe to make in bulk and enjoy throughout the week.
Reheating Potato Soup
To reheat the soup, simply place it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, though the texture may not be as smooth as when it’s reheated on the stove. If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to bring back its creamy consistency.
Freezing Crockpot Potato Soup
If you want to store your soup for a longer period, you can freeze potato soup. However, keep in mind that the cream and cheese may slightly change texture when frozen. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe is the Ultimate Crockpot Potato Soup
This Crockpot Potato Soup is a foolproof recipe that combines rich flavors and a creamy base, making it the ultimate comfort food for any season. Whether you prefer the classic version, want to make it low-carb, or need a vegetarian alternative, this soup can be customized to suit any taste or dietary requirement.
Plus, with its ease of preparation and ability to be stored and reheated, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or serving to a crowd.
Now that you know all the variations and tips for making the best potato soup, go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you!