This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s creamy, loaded with potatoes, and full of tasty bits of bacon. Perfect for those busy days when you want little fuss!
Honestly, just throw everything in the crockpot and let it simmer—no need to hover around. I love it with a sprinkle of cheese and a slice of bread on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. If you’re short on time, frozen diced potatoes can work too, just skip the peeling and dicing!
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Homemade broth is great if you have it on hand, but store-bought works just as well.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use a reduced-fat cheese or consider a non-dairy cheese. I also like adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Bacon: Bacon bits add a nice crunch and smokiness. For a vegetarian version, you can use smoked paprika to give a similar flavor without the meat. Or omit it altogether for a lighter soup.
How Do I Get the Perfect Consistency for My Soup?
Getting the right texture can be tricky! You want it creamy but still have some potato chunks for heartiness. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking, use a potato masher for a rustic texture—this keeps some potato pieces intact.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender for a few seconds. You can control how creamy it gets!
- Adjust thickness with more or less milk. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk while blending.
Don’t worry too much about making it perfect on the first try! Every batch can turn out a little differently, and that’s part of the fun!
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes, 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 cooked bacon bits (optional)
- 1 ½ cups milk or cream
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 stalks green onion or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato soup is super easy to make! Total time is about 6-8 hours. You’ll spend just 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, and then the crockpot does all the work! Perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Add Ingredients:
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into cubes. Then, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth to your crockpot. Stir them together a bit to mix.
2. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork.
3. Mash or Blend:
Once the cooking time is up, take off the lid and use a potato masher to mash the soup to your desired consistency. If you like it creamier, you can use an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Just remember to leave some chunks for added texture!
4. Add Creaminess:
Next, stir in the butter, milk or cream, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits if you’re using them. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
5. Final Touches:
Let the soup cook on low for another 30 minutes. This gives time for the flavors to blend beautifully. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, serve the soup hot! Top with chopped green onions or chives and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese if you’d like. Enjoy your cozy bowl of potato goodness!
Perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a hearty meal with minimal effort. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes to save on prep time! Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing, but keep in mind that you may need to extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the bacon. You can even enhance the flavor with a touch of liquid smoke for that savory taste.
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 on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or even kale for an extra boost of nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the crockpot with the other ingredients at the beginning.
