Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This is truly The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe you’ll ever make! Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy, dreamy potato soup, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Forget bland, watery potato soups. This recipe is all about rich, velvety texture and deeply satisfying flavor. The slow cooker works its magic, melding simple ingredients into a symphony of taste that will warm you from the inside out.
What makes this potato soup the best? It’s the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, savory broth, and just the right amount of cheese and seasonings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Load it up with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, and fresh chives for a truly customizable and unforgettable meal. Prepare to be amazed by the ease and incredible taste of this crockpot masterpiece.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe, you will need a handful of simple, yet high-quality ingredients. These components, when combined in your slow cooker, transform into a bowl of pure comfort. Gather everything beforehand to ensure a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience.
The heart of this incredible soup is, naturally, the potatoes. You’ll need 5 pounds of Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russet potatoes are ideal for potato soup because their high starch content breaks down beautifully during slow cooking, creating that signature creamy texture without needing a ton of cream. Ensure you choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best results.
For the flavorful liquid base, you will need 6 cups of chicken broth. A good quality chicken broth makes all the difference. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness of the soup yourself. The broth will infuse the potatoes and other ingredients with a rich, savory foundation.
To build even more depth of flavor, you’ll need 1 cup of yellow onion, diced. Yellow onion provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that mellows beautifully as it slow cooks with the potatoes. Dicing the onion finely ensures it blends seamlessly into the soup’s texture.
Garlic adds a crucial savory element. You will need 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic note that elevates the entire soup. Mincing it finely releases its oils, ensuring its flavor permeates the dish.
For ultimate creaminess, you’ll need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened. Softened cream cheese is the secret ingredient to achieving that incredibly velvety and luxurious texture that makes this potato soup truly the best. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened to room temperature before adding it to the crock pot for smooth incorporation.
Cheddar cheese is essential for the classic cheesy flavor. You’ll need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup. However, you can use mild or a blend of cheddar cheeses if you prefer a more subtle cheesy taste.
To enhance the richness and flavor, you’ll need 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cut into pieces. Butter adds a luscious mouthfeel and a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the potatoes, cheese, and broth. Unsalted butter lets you control the overall saltiness of the soup.
For seasoning, you will need 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. These simple seasonings are essential for balancing the flavors and bringing out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste at the end of cooking.
Finally, for optional but highly recommended toppings, consider: cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh chives, chopped. These toppings transform the already delicious soup into a fully loaded masterpiece, taking it from great to truly the best.
HOW TO MAKE “The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe”:
Making The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe is wonderfully simple. The magic happens in your slow cooker, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in a rich and flavorful soup. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
The recipe begins by combining the potatoes, onions, garlic, butter, and chicken broth in your crock pot. This is the foundation of your soup, and the slow cooking process allows these simple ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a flavorful base.
Next, you simply let the crock pot work its magic, cooking the soup until the potatoes are incredibly tender. This slow simmering is key to developing the creamy texture and rich flavor that makes this soup so special.
Finally, the cream cheese and cheddar cheese are stirred in during the last stage, transforming the soup into a velvety, cheesy delight. This final step is what truly elevates this recipe to “the best,” creating that irresistible creamy texture and cheesy flavor that everyone loves. Let’s walk through the detailed step-by-step instructions to guide you through this effortless recipe.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot.
Begin by placing the peeled and cubed Russet potatoes into your crock pot. These potatoes form the base of the soup and will become incredibly tender as they slow cook.
Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the crock pot, layering them over the potatoes. These aromatics will infuse the soup with their savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Scatter the pieces of unsalted butter over the vegetables in the crock pot. The butter will melt and enrich the soup as it slow cooks, adding a depth of flavor and lusciousness.
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients in the crock pot. Ensure the broth covers the potatoes and other vegetables, providing the liquid base for the soup to simmer in.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. For the best flavor and texture, slow cooking on low heat for a longer period is recommended. However, high heat will work if you are short on time.
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and easily mashable. This indicates that they are fully cooked and ready for the next steps to create the creamy soup.
Step 3: Mash Potatoes (Optional).
For a chunkier soup, you can skip this step. For a creamier texture, use a potato masher directly in the crock pot to mash some of the potatoes. Mashing some of the potatoes releases their starch, which helps to naturally thicken the soup and enhance its creamy consistency.
You don’t need to mash all the potatoes; mashing about half to two-thirds of them is usually sufficient to achieve a beautifully creamy texture while still leaving some chunks for heartiness.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese.
Add the softened cream cheese to the crock pot. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy and smooth incorporation into the hot soup.
Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes incredibly creamy and velvety smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that signature texture of the best potato soup.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the crock pot. Stir continuously until the cheddar cheese is fully melted and the soup is cheesy and uniformly smooth. Adding the cheddar cheese last ensures it melts beautifully and doesn’t become grainy.
Step 5: Season and Serve.
Season the Crockpot Potato Soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your personal preference. Taste the soup and season until it reaches your desired flavor profile.
Ladle the BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe into bowls and serve hot. This soup is best enjoyed immediately when it’s warm, creamy, and cheesy.
Garnish generously with your favorite toppings, such as cooked bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh chives, chopped. These toppings elevate the soup to a fully loaded and truly irresistible meal. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
USEFUL TIPS:
To make The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe even better, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions can enhance both the flavor and the overall experience of preparing and enjoying this ultimate comfort food. Let’s explore some valuable insights to refine your soup-making process.
For an even richer and more complex flavor base, sauté the diced onions in butter in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot. Sautéing the onions until they are softened and slightly caramelized adds a depth of flavor that enhances the entire soup. This extra step, while optional, is highly recommended for truly maximizing the flavor.
To prevent the cream cheese from clumping, ensure it is fully softened to room temperature before adding it to the hot soup. Softened cream cheese will incorporate more smoothly and seamlessly into the soup, resulting in a perfectly velvety texture. You can even microwave the cream cheese in short intervals (10-15 seconds) to speed up the softening process.
For a smoother soup texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the crock pot after the potatoes are cooked. Blending some of the soup while leaving some chunks will give you the best of both worlds: a creamy base with hearty potato pieces. Be careful when using an immersion blender in a crock pot and ensure the soup level is not too high to avoid splashing.
Alternatively, for a completely smooth and velvety soup, transfer batches of the soup to a regular blender and blend until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids. Always vent the blender lid slightly to allow steam to escape and prevent pressure buildup. Blend in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.
For a smoky flavor variation, consider using smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar. Smoked cheddar adds a delightful smoky note that beautifully complements the potatoes and creamy base. It’s a simple swap that adds a lot of depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
To add a hint of spice, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the soup during the last hour of cooking or as a topping. A small amount of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth that balances the richness of the cheese and cream without making the soup overly spicy.
For a vegetarian version of The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe, simply ensure your chicken broth is vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly, and the soup is incredibly satisfying even without meat.
To easily peel potatoes, try using a vegetable peeler or, for a quicker method, boil the potatoes whole until slightly softened, then plunge them into ice water. The skins will then slip off easily. Peeling potatoes can sometimes be time-consuming, so finding efficient methods can save you time in the prep process.
DETAILS:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
The preparation time for The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe is approximately 20 minutes. This includes the time needed to peel and cube the potatoes, dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the cheese (if not using pre-shredded), and soften the cream cheese. Efficient prep work makes the crockpot process even easier.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
The cooking time for this recipe depends on your crock pot setting. Slow cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours is recommended for the best flavor and texture development. High heat cooking for 3-4 hours is a faster alternative, but low and slow is generally preferred for crock pot soups.
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes on low, or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes on high
The total time from start to finish ranges from approximately 3 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes, depending on your chosen crock pot setting. This includes both prep and cooking time, making it a primarily hands-off recipe that’s perfect for setting up and letting the crock pot do the work.
Yield: 6-8 servings
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 generous servings. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. The yield can be easily adjusted by scaling the ingredients up or down if you need to make more or less soup.
Category: Soup
This dish is categorized as soup, specifically a creamy soup. It’s a hearty and comforting soup that can be served as a main course, especially on colder days, or as a satisfying starter to a larger meal. Potato soup is a classic and versatile soup category.
Method: Crock Pot
The primary cooking method is crock pot cooking, also known as slow cooking. The crock pot is ideal for this recipe because it gently simmers the ingredients over a long period, allowing the flavors to meld together deeply and create that signature creamy texture. Crock pot cooking makes this recipe incredibly easy and convenient.
Cuisine: American
The cuisine of this recipe is best described as American comfort food. Potato soup is a beloved classic in American cuisine, and this crockpot version amplifies its comforting qualities with creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It embodies the spirit of hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make American home cooking.
Diet: Not specified
The diet classification for this recipe is not specifically limited. However, it can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese, and consider using milk or half-and-half instead of cream cheese to reduce richness. For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
NOTES:
Serving Suggestions: The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe is delicious served on its own, but it’s even more satisfying with a side of crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a fresh side salad. Bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup, while a salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Make it Ahead: This soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors often meld together even more beautifully overnight, making it perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead for gatherings.
Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers reheat beautifully! You can reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed. Stovetop reheating is generally recommended for maintaining the best texture.
Topping Ideas: Get creative with your toppings! Beyond the suggested bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives, consider adding:
* Green onions or scallions
* Chopped red onion for a bit of bite
* Shredded pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick
* Hot sauce or a drizzle of chili oil
* Crispy fried onions for texture
* Fresh parsley or dill for herbace
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, absolutely! While Russet potatoes are highly recommended for their starch content which contributes to the creamy texture, you can definitely use other types of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice as they are also quite starchy and have a naturally buttery flavor. Red potatoes or even sweet potatoes can be used for a different flavor profile, but they will result in a less creamy soup as they are lower in starch. If using less starchy potatoes, you may need to add a bit more cream cheese or consider using a slurry of cornstarch and water (mixed separately and added in at the end to thicken) if you desire a very thick soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe to be vegetarian! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. To make it vegan, you will need to make a few more substitutions. Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil, replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative, and replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan shredded cheddar cheese alternative. There are many great vegan cheese and butter alternatives available now that can provide a similar creamy and cheesy flavor. Be sure to check your vegetable broth to ensure it is also vegan as some may contain animal products.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Definitely! While this recipe is delicious as a vegetarian option, adding cooked meat can make it even heartier and more of a complete meal. Cooked and crumbled bacon (or turkey bacon for a non-pork option) is a classic topping and can also be stirred into the soup itself. Shredded cooked chicken or turkey, cooked and crumbled sausage, or even diced turkey ham are also wonderful additions. If adding cooked meat, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking just to heat it through.
Can I make this soup ahead and freeze it?
Freezing creamy soups, especially those with dairy like cream cheese and cheddar cheese, can sometimes be tricky as the texture can change upon thawing. Dairy can sometimes become slightly grainy or separate when frozen and reheated. However, many people successfully freeze potato soup! If you do plan to freeze leftovers, the best practice is to let the soup cool completely, then freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers. When thawing, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it appears slightly separated after thawing, whisk it vigorously as it reheats, or use an immersion blender briefly to try to re-emulsify the soup. The texture may be slightly different after freezing and thawing, but it will still be safe to eat and generally quite delicious.
Can I use milk or half-and-half instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is a key ingredient in achieving the truly best creamy texture of this recipe, you can make substitutions if needed. Milk or half-and-half will make the soup lighter and less rich. If you want to use milk or half-and-half instead of cream cheese, you can add it during the last hour of cooking. To help thicken the soup if you are omitting the cream cheese and using milk, you can use a slurry of cornstarch and water (mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking and cook until thickened). However, for the most luxurious and creamy texture that defines The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe, using softened cream cheese is highly recommended.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
To store leftover The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe, it’s important to handle it properly to maintain its quality and ensure food safety.
Cool Completely: Allow the potato soup to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. Cooling hot food down quickly before refrigeration is important to prevent bacterial growth. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours.
Airtight Containers: Once cooled, transfer the leftover soup to airtight containers. Using airtight containers is crucial to prevent the soup from drying out, absorbing odors from the refrigerator, and maintaining its freshness. Use containers that are appropriately sized to minimize air space above the soup.
Refrigerate Promptly: Refrigerate the soup promptly after it has cooled. Store it in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). This rapid refrigeration is essential for preventing bacterial growth and ensuring food safety.
Storage Duration: Leftover The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within this timeframe. Always use your best judgment and discard any leftovers that show signs of spoilage (off smell, change in texture, etc.).
Reheating Instructions:
For the best results when reheating, use the stovetop method:
- Stovetop Reheating: Pour the leftover soup into a saucepan. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Heat until the soup is heated through and reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C). If the soup has thickened too much during refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency while reheating. Stir it in gradually until you reach the desired texture. Avoid boiling the soup during reheating, as this can sometimes affect the texture of the dairy.
Microwave reheating is also an option for quicker reheating of single servings, although the texture may be slightly less optimal compared to stovetop reheating:
- Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals (1-2 minutes at a time), stirring in between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Microwave reheating can sometimes cause splattering, so be cautious and use a microwave-safe cover.
RELATED RECIPES
If you loved The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe, you will definitely enjoy these other comforting and creamy soup recipes that are perfect for cozy nights in:
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A classic and comforting soup with a rich tomato flavor, often enhanced with basil and cream. This soup is delicious on its own or paired with grilled cheese sandwiches. Consider a crockpot version of tomato soup for similar ease of preparation!
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: A hearty and nourishing soup featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a creamy broth. This is a comforting classic, perfect for colder weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. The crockpot makes chicken noodle soup incredibly easy to prepare.
Butternut Squash Soup: A velvety smooth and slightly sweet soup made from roasted butternut squash, often blended with cream and spices. This soup is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan with plant-based cream. It’s a flavorful and healthy autumn favorite.
Creamy Mushroom Soup: A rich and earthy soup featuring sautéed mushrooms in a creamy base. This soup is classic comfort food and can be elevated with sherry, herbs, or different types of mushrooms for a gourmet touch.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Stovetop Version): If you enjoyed the cheesy goodness of the potato broccoli cheddar soup recipe we previously discussed, you might enjoy exploring a stovetop version of broccoli cheddar soup for a slightly quicker cooking method when you don’t have time for the crockpot! Stovetop versions often allow for a bit more control over the texture and cooking process.
CONCLUSION
The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe truly lives up to its name! It’s a recipe that promises and delivers ultimate comfort, incredible flavor, and remarkable ease of preparation. From the simplicity of the crockpot cooking method to the deeply satisfying creamy, cheesy, and savory taste, this soup is a winner on all fronts.
This is more than just a potato soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. The combination of humble ingredients transformed into a luxurious and comforting meal is what makes this recipe so special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you can confidently create this restaurant-quality soup at home with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish.
So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and prepare to experience potato soup perfection! Follow these simple steps, load it up with your favorite toppings, and savor every creamy, cheesy, and flavorful spoonful of The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe. Enjoy the effortless cooking process and the immense pleasure of sharing this truly heartwarming and delicious meal with your family and friends. This is one recipe that is destined to become a cherished staple in your kitchen and a beloved family favorite for years to come. You’ll be making The BEST Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe again and again!
