Crock Pot Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with tender potatoes, cheese, bacon, and a flavorful broth, this slow cooker soup is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Creamy & Comforting – A warm, cheesy, and hearty soup perfect for any occasion.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Customizable – Add extra veggies, protein, or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- Chicken broth
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cream cheese (or heavy cream)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients – Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and cook the bacon until crispy.
- Layer the slow cooker – Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the crock pot.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash or blend – Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or blend with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
- Add the creamy ingredients – Stir in the butter, cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar. Let everything melt together.
- Season & serve – Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 7 hours
Variations
- Loaded Baked Potato Style – Top with extra sour cream, bacon, and chives.
- Healthier Version – Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and opt for turkey bacon.
- Extra Protein – Add shredded chicken or cooked sausage.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Different Cheese – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes! Frozen hash browns or diced potatoes work well and reduce prep time.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth is a great alternative.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Mash more potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Carrots, celery, or corn make great additions.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer the ingredients for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are soft, then proceed with blending and adding cream.
What’s the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is easiest, but a regular blender works too (blend in batches).
Can I use heavy cream instead of cream cheese?
Yes, heavy cream will make the soup even richer.
Do I have to blend the soup?
No, you can leave it chunky if you prefer.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick-release and proceed with adding the creamy ingredients.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, this soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
PrintCrock Pot Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich, creamy potato soup loaded with cheese, bacon, and classic flavors—perfect for chilly days!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Add potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to the slow cooker.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional) – For a thicker soup, whisk flour or cornstarch with milk until smooth. Stir into the soup and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Blend (Optional) – For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender to puree some of the potatoes, or mash them with a fork.
- Add Cream & Cheese – Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve & Garnish – Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap russet potatoes for Yukon gold for a naturally creamy texture.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk and vegan cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
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