This creamy potato soup is the ultimate comfort food! Cooked slowly in a crockpot, it’s packed with tender potatoes, rich broth, and a touch of cream for that cozy feel.
I love how easy it is to make—just chop, throw in the pot, and let it do its thing. Perfect for chilly nights when all you want is a warm bowl of yum! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great for this soup since they get so fluffy when cooked. If you want a waxy texture, Yukon Gold works well, too. You can also use sweet potatoes for a twist!
Broth: I usually go for chicken broth for its rich flavor, but vegetable broth is a fantastic substitute if you want a meat-free option. You could even use bone broth for extra nutrients!
Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or even whole milk can be a good choice. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic in this recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, mixing in some Gruyère or Pepper Jack adds a delightful twist! Or go vegan with a nut-based cheese.
How Do You Get Creamy Texture Without Blending Everything?
A common worry is keeping the soup creamy while maintaining some chunky texture. Begin by cooking the potatoes until soft, then mash a few with a potato masher or use an immersion blender lightly to break them up.
- Mash about half of the cooked potatoes to thicken the soup.
- Mixing in the butter and heavy cream helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste as you go so you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
With these steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of potato soup that’s a hit every time! Enjoy making this easy meal! 🥔✨
Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 medium potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For Garnish:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Perfect for a hands-off cooking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Next, chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes cooking super easy!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, throw in the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme if you’re using it. Mix it all up so everything is evenly distributed.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be very tender when you check them—they should easily break when poked with a fork.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Once the potatoes are soft, take a potato masher or an immersion blender and gently mash some of the potato chunks. This will help thicken the soup while keeping it still chunky for texture. Don’t blend everything—just a few mashes will do!
5. Add Creaminess:
Now, stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Keep stirring until everything is melted and creamy. The kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste. If you think it needs a little more flavor, add a pinch of salt or pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the hot soup in bowls, and if you like, sprinkle on the crumbled bacon (if using) and chopped green onions or chives for a pop of flavor and color.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your warm, creamy crockpot potato soup! Perfect for cozy meals and gatherings with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet potatoes make the soup fluffy, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, sweet potatoes can add a unique flavor to the dish!
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Chop the potatoes, onion, and garlic, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid hot spots.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a vegan version, swap out the cheese and sour cream for vegan alternatives and use coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream.
