This easy crockpot potato soup recipe will be one that you will revisit time and time again. Each bite is full of cheesy potatoes and bacon, garnished with your favorite toppings. This soup requires very little effort because your crockpot works for you! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish warms the soul while satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of creamy potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon creates a rich, satisfying soup.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with green onions, cheese, or even croutons to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or chilly evenings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make delicious crockpot potato soup, having the right tools at your disposal is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking; simply set it and forget it until mealtime.
- Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy preparation of vegetables and meats.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 lbs large potatoes (peeled and cubed into 1-inch cubes (4 potatoes))
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz bacon bite-sized pieces (cooked)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper or to taste
For Creaminess
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup mild or sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3/4 cup sour cream
To Serve
- Green onions to serve
How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- To a crockpot, add the following:
- Potatoes
- Chicken broth
- Cooked bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
- You will know it is done when potatoes are piercable with a fork.
- Lightly mash the potatoes to create a creamy texture.
Step 3: Add Creamy Ingredients
- Add butter, flour, milk, shredded cheese, and sour cream to the pot.
- Mix thoroughly and let it cook on low for another 30 minutes to an hour.
- The consistency should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Serve with Toppings
- Finish the soup with green onions and any of your favorite toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy with friends!
With these simple steps, you’ll have a hearty bowl of delicious crockpot potato soup ready in no time!
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Soup
Crockpot potato soup is a versatile dish that can be customized with various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your potato soup experience.
Classic Toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Bacon Bits: For those who can’t get enough bacon, extra bits on top add crunch and richness.
- Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream gives a tangy contrast that complements the soup’s richness.
Creative Additions
- Croutons: Add crispy croutons for texture and an additional layer of flavor.
- Hot Sauce: A few dashes can spice things up for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh parsley or thyme for an aromatic finish.
Accompaniments
- Bread Rolls: Serve with warm bread rolls for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Salad: A light side salad can balance the richness of the soup.
How to Perfect Crockpot Potato Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your crockpot potato soup, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for a creamy texture when mashed.
- Cook on Low for Extra Flavor: If you have time, cooking on low allows flavors to meld better over several hours.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste before serving; you might want more salt or pepper based on personal preference.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup before adding dairy ingredients.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Potato Soup
Pairing your crockpot potato soup with delicious side dishes enhances the meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing crunch alongside the rich soup.
- Steamed Broccoli: Healthy and vibrant, steamed broccoli complements the flavors without overpowering them.
- Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins are delightful when served warm, adding a nice contrast to the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted to perfection offers both color and nutrients.
- Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, and cheese, making them hearty companions to your potato soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Potato Soup can be simple, but avoid these common mistakes for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always add enough salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor of your soup.
- Not cooking long enough: Ensure you cook the soup until the potatoes are tender. Undercooked potatoes can ruin the texture.
- Using low-fat dairy: For a creamy consistency, use whole milk and full-fat sour cream. Low-fat options may not give you the richness you desire.
- Overloading with toppings: While toppings are great, too many can overwhelm the soup. Choose a few favorites to maintain balance.
- Ignoring texture: Lightly mashing some potatoes adds creaminess while keeping some chunks for texture. Don’t skip this step!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container.
Freezing Crockpot Potato Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Crockpot Potato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, usually around 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Potato Soup that might help you out.
Can I use any type of potato for Crockpot Potato Soup?
Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, but russet potatoes work best due to their creamy texture when cooked.
What toppings go well with Crockpot Potato Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and sour cream. Feel free to mix and match!
How do I thicken my Crockpot Potato Soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water to thicken it.
Can I make Crockpot Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and omit the bacon or substitute it with plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Potato Soup?
Cooking time varies; on high, it takes about 3-4 hours, while on low, it’s about 5-6 hours. Potatoes should be tender when done.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Potato Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its creamy texture combined with cheesy goodness makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients like vegetables or spices. Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of warmth!
Crockpot Potato Soup
Crockpot Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warmth to any table. This easy recipe combines creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. With minimal prep time, you can simply toss all your ingredients into a slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this potato soup is a family favorite that guarantees satisfaction in every bowl. Top it off with your choice of green onions, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cooked bacon (bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Add potatoes, chicken broth, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Lightly mash some potatoes for creaminess.
- Stir in butter, flour, milk, cheese, and sour cream; cook on low for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve warm with preferred toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
