There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of crockpot potato soup on a chilly day. It’s like a big, cozy hug in a bowl! I absolutely adore how creamy and hearty this soup turns out, thanks to the slow cooking that brings out all the flavors of the potatoes and broth. The ease of making it in a crockpot means I can toss in my ingredients, go about my day, and come home to a delicious meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma. Trust me, once you try this comforting soup, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last spoonful. So grab your crockpot, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup
To whip up this creamy and hearty crockpot potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the cheese or bacon bits to your liking; this soup is all about making it your own! And don’t worry if you don’t have bacon on hand; it’s just as delicious without it. Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Crockpot Potato Soup
Now, let’s get you started on making this scrumptious crockpot potato soup! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love the process as much as the final product.
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get those veggies ready! Start by dicing your 6 medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. I like to leave the skins on for a bit of extra texture and nutrition, but feel free to peel them if you prefer! Next, grab your onion and chop it finely—this will add a lovely base flavor to your soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Once your veggies are prepped, it’s time to combine them in the crockpot. Toss the diced potatoes and chopped onion in there, then pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Now, set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours; either way, you’re in for a treat!
Step 3: Cooking Time
As the magic happens, check your potatoes towards the end of the cooking time. They should be tender and easily pierced with a fork, giving them a little poke to see if they’re ready. If you’re on the low setting, you might want to peek at around the 6-hour mark. If you’re in a hurry on high, 3 hours should do the trick! Just keep an eye out!
Step 4: Final Touches
When the potatoes are soft, it’s time to add some creaminess! Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot—this will give your soup that luscious texture. Now, pour in 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1/2 cup of bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir it all together, and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld beautifully! Trust me, the aroma will have you counting down the minutes!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot potato soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t skip the seasoning—adding salt and pepper to taste can really elevate the flavors, so taste as you go. If you want an even creamier soup, consider using half-and-half instead of milk for that extra richness. Also, remember to leave the lid on during cooking; it helps to keep all those delicious flavors locked in! And if you’re a fan of toppings, don’t hesitate to get creative—garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream just before serving. Trust me, these little touches make a big difference!
Variations of Crockpot Potato Soup
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your crockpot potato soup to suit your taste buds! Here are a few of my favorite variations that add delicious twists:
- Loaded Baked Potato: Toss in some sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese right before serving for that classic loaded baked potato experience!
- Cheesy Broccoli: Add fresh or frozen broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for a pop of color and flavor. The cheese melts beautifully into the mix!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. It really amps up the flavor profile!
- Herbed Delight: Stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Smoky Flavor: Instead of bacon bits, use smoked sausage or chorizo for a heartier, smoked flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas—this soup is all about making it your own! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious crockpot potato soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
This soup is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal. Just a note—if you add extra toppings or make variations, be sure to adjust the nutritional values accordingly! Enjoy every creamy bite!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about my beloved crockpot potato soup. I hope these help you on your cooking adventure!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon bits, and you’re good to go. The soup will still be hearty and delicious with the potatoes and cheese shining through.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover crockpot potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It should last for about 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I use instead of vegetable broth?
If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken broth works wonderfully as well. You can also use water with a bit of seasoning if you’re in a pinch!
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Definitely! While I love using russet potatoes, you can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes might alter the texture a bit, but they’ll still taste great!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day!
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra comfort.
- Creamy Texture: The slow cooking process gives the potatoes a delightful creaminess that’s so satisfying.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite ingredients or variations to make it your own!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of soup, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers or freezing, so you can enjoy it later without any fuss!
- Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with wholesome potatoes, and you can easily make it vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.
Crockpot Potato Soup: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and hearty crockpot potato soup.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes and chopped onion in the crockpot.
- Add vegetable broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once potatoes are tender, mash some of them for a creamy texture.
- Add milk, cheese, bacon bits, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon bits.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with green onions or extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: crockpot potato soup
