Growing up, Crockpot Potato Soup was always a family favorite in our household. I can still remember the comforting aroma wafting through the house on those chilly autumn days, the savory broth simmering away all afternoon, just waiting for us to dive in. Mom would let me help chop the potatoes and onions, meticulously dicing them into perfect little cubes, as I eagerly anticipated the first steaming spoonful. There was nothing quite like coming home from school to a big bowl of Crockpot Potato Soup, crusty bread on the side for dipping. It was the ultimate in cozy, nourishing comfort food.
Why This Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my own version of this beloved family recipe. This Crockpot Potato Soup is truly the best you’ll ever taste – it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet so effortless to make. The secret lies in the slow-simmering process that allows all the ingredients to meld together into potato soup perfection. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen!
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Potato Soup
The key to this Crockpot Potato Soup recipe is the combination of russet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes. The russets break down and thicken the soup, while the Yukon Golds hold their shape, giving you that perfect creamy-yet-chunky texture. And of course, no Crockpot Potato Soup would be complete without a generous helping of crispy bacon on top!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Russet potatoes: These starchy spuds are the foundation of the soup, breaking down to create a velvety texture.
– Yukon Gold potatoes: These hold their shape better, adding delightful chunks throughout the soup.
– Onion: Sautéed onion adds essential depth of flavor.
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for maximum taste.
– Chicken broth: The liquid base that simmers the potatoes to perfection.
– Heavy cream: For that rich, creamy finish.
– Bacon: Crispy bacon bits are the crowning glory on top.
– Salt and pepper: To season everything to taste.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Potato Soup
This Crockpot Potato Soup couldn’t be easier to make. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. In just a few hours, you’ll have a warm, comforting soup ready to enjoy. The total hands-on time is under 30 minutes, and the crockpot does the rest of the work for you.
1- Start by peeling and dicing the russet and Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
2- Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet until soft and fragrant, then add them to the crockpot.
3- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season generously with salt and pepper.
4- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
5- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to roughly mash some of the potatoes, leaving plenty of chunks.
6- Ladle the Crockpot Potato Soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Crockpot Potato Soup is not to overmash the potatoes. You want to leave plenty of hearty chunks throughout the creamy broth. Also, be sure to sauté the onion and garlic first – this extra step really enhances the overall flavor. And don’t be afraid to season generously with salt and pepper – it makes all the difference!
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Potato Soup
This Crockpot Potato Soup is a meal all on its own, but it’s even better when served with a few tasty accompaniments. A crusty loaf of bread or freshly baked rolls are perfect for dipping and sopping up every last drop. For a lighter side, a simple green salad or roasted broccoli would complement the soup nicely. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a cold glass of milk or a mug of hot apple cider to wash it all down.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crockpot Potato Soup actually gets even better as the flavors meld together. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, just pop it back in the crockpot or gently warm it on the stovetop. You can also freeze Crockpot Potato Soup for up to 3 months – just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Potato Soup
Creative Crockpot Potato Soup Variations
While this Crockpot Potato Soup recipe is pretty perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the bacon for smoky ham or crispy pancetta. For a cheesy version, stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan at the end. You could even transform it into a loaded baked potato soup by topping it with sour cream, chives, and additional bacon. And in the fall, a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon would make it extra cozy and autumnal.
Making Crockpot Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Crockpot Potato Soup more diet-friendly, you can use a lower-fat milk or non-dairy milk alternative instead of the heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, simply skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free crackers as a topping. And for a vegan/vegetarian soup, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use all russet potatoes or all Yukon Gold potatoes instead of a mix?
A: You can certainly use just one type of potato, but the combination of the two really creates the best texture. Russets will make the soup extra thick and creamy, while Yukon Golds will give you those delightful potato chunks.
Q: How long does Crockpot Potato Soup take to cook?
A: On the low setting, this Crockpot Potato Soup needs 6-8 hours to fully cook and develop the flavors. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead.
Q: Can I make Crockpot Potato Soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup actually gets better as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to 5 days in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this Crockpot Potato Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield about 6-8 generous servings of Crockpot Potato Soup. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.
Q: My Crockpot Potato Soup turned out too thin – how can I thicken it up?
A: If your soup is a bit too thin, you can try mashing more of the potatoes with a potato masher or immersion blender. You can also make a quick roux with butter and flour and stir it in. For an extra-thick and creamy soup, feel free to add a bit more heavy cream as well.
Crockpot Potato Soup
- Total Time: 250
- Yield: 6
Description
Cozy up with a bowl of this rich, creamy Crockpot Potato Soup. Throw the simple ingredients in your slow cooker and let the magic happen – no fuss required!
Ingredients
– 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Add the diced potatoes, onion, and garlic to a slow cooker.
2. – Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very soft.
4. – Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. (Alternatively, you can transfer batches to a standard blender.)
5. – Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. – Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. – Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, blend more of the potatoes.
– Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream if desired.
– Experiment with different garnishes like croutons, sour cream, or chives.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a steaming bowl of homemade Crockpot Potato Soup. This easy, hands-off recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. The combination of tender potatoes, rich broth, and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. Plus, with make-ahead and storage tips, you can enjoy this cozy soup all week long. So what are you waiting for? Get that crockpot simmering and treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food!
