Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

Potato soup is a classic comfort dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, and making it in a slow cooker or crockpot elevates it to a whole new level of convenience. Imagine coming home after a long day to a warm, creamy, and hearty soup that’s ready to eat—all thanks to the magic of your crockpot. This crockpot potato soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can create a simple base of potatoes, broth, and cream, and then customize it with delicious toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, or green onions. Want a little spice? Add in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Prefer a heartier meal? Mix in diced ham or sausage. Whatever your preference, this recipe is as flexible as it is tasty. And if you’re looking for a quick fix, consider using frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh potatoes. Just remember to thaw them properly to ensure the best texture.

With the right combination of ingredients and a bit of time, you can make a rich, creamy soup that rivals any restaurant dish—all from the comfort of your home. Below, we’ll dive into the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and more. By the end, you’ll be an expert in making this cozy and satisfying soup.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

The ingredients for crockpot potato soup are simple yet flavorful. Each one contributes to the overall richness and texture of the dish, creating a soup that’s both creamy and hearty. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients you’ll need:

Potatoes: The star of the show. Russet potatoes are the most popular choice because they break down easily during cooking, resulting in a creamy consistency.
Chicken Broth: This is the base of your soup. It adds depth and richness, balancing the creaminess of the potatoes and cream.
Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients are essential for adding savory, aromatic notes to the soup. The onions will soften and sweeten as they cook, while the garlic infuses the broth with a rich, earthy flavor.
Butter and Heavy Cream: These ingredients are crucial for achieving the velvety texture that potato soup is known for. Butter adds a luxurious richness, and heavy cream or sour cream gives the soup a smooth, creamy finish.
Xanthan Gum, Cornstarch, or Flour: To achieve the perfect thickness, you’ll need to add a thickener. Xanthan gum is a gluten-free option, while cornstarch and flour are more traditional choices. These ingredients help thicken the soup without making it too heavy.
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess to the soup, balancing the richness of the butter and cream.

Optional toppings and additions:

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds texture and a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the soup.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese or Gouda can be stirred into the soup or used as a topping to add even more richness.
Green Onions or Chives: These herbs provide a fresh contrast to the heaviness of the soup.

Step-by-Step Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

Making crockpot potato soup is incredibly easy, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. Follow these simple steps to create a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients.

Peel and dice your potatoes into evenly sized cubes (about 1 inch). This ensures that the potatoes cook uniformly and break down properly. Russet potatoes work best for a creamy soup, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can opt for red potatoes, which hold their shape better during cooking.
Chop the onions and garlic: Dice one medium onion and mince about three cloves of garlic. These aromatics will add depth to the soup as they cook slowly with the potatoes.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

Once your potatoes, onions, and garlic are prepped, add them to the crockpot.

Pour in the chicken broth: Add about 4-5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you’re making a vegetarian version). The broth serves as the base for your soup, providing a savory flavor that complements the potatoes.
Add butter: Drop in 2 tablespoons of butter for richness.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and a bay leaf for added flavor. If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Turn the crockpot on low: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to let the potatoes cook slowly so they break down and absorb the flavors of the broth and aromatics.
Stir occasionally: About halfway through the cooking time, give the soup a good stir to ensure everything is cooking evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

About 30 minutes before the soup is done, it’s time to thicken it.

Prepare the thickening agent: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of your thickening agent (cornstarch, flour, or xanthan gum). If you’re using cornstarch or flour, dissolve it in a little bit of water first to prevent lumps.
Stir in the thickener: Pour the cream mixture into the soup and stir to combine. This will give the soup a velvety, creamy texture.

Step 5: Adjust the Texture

If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree some or all of the soup.

For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks for texture. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes:

Crispy bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
A dollop of sour cream
Chopped green onions or chives

These toppings add texture and extra flavor, making each bowl more exciting.

Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

To ensure your crockpot potato soup turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Cut your potatoes evenly: This ensures that all the pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked and mushy while others remain undercooked.
Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy soup, as they break down during the cooking process. If you prefer a chunkier texture, opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which hold their shape better.
Taste and season as you go: As the soup simmers, taste it periodically to check for seasoning. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so you may need to add more salt and pepper towards the end of the cooking process.
Control the thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, continue simmering with the lid off to let some of the liquid evaporate, or add more thickener.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs will elevate the flavors in the soup. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it often lacks the same intensity as freshly chopped garlic.

Variations of Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Whether you want a loaded soup packed with toppings or a lighter version with vegetables, there are many ways to make this recipe your own.

1. Loaded Potato Soup

This version takes the basic crockpot potato soup to the next level by adding all the toppings you’d find on a loaded baked potato.

Add crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl.
Top with chopped green onions or chives for a burst of freshness.
You can also stir some of the cheese into the soup itself for extra creaminess.

2. Cheesy Potato Soup

If you’re a cheese lover, you can add shredded cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack directly into the soup.

Stir the cheese into the soup while it’s still hot to allow it to melt completely. This will create an ultra-creamy, cheesy potato soup that’s rich and indulgent.
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more cheese on top before serving.

3. Ham and Potato Soup

To make this soup heartier, add diced ham or sausage.

Diced ham is a great addition because it adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
You can add the ham at the beginning with the potatoes or stir it in towards the end to keep the texture firmer.

4. Vegetable Potato Soup

For a lighter version, consider adding more vegetables.

Carrots, celery, and broccoli can be added along with the potatoes to create a more nutritious soup. These vegetables add color, flavor, and a bit of texture to balance the creaminess of the potatoes.
You can also stir in some spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added greens.

5. Hashbrown Potato Soup

To speed up the prep time, use frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh potatoes.

Frozen hashbrowns work just as well in this recipe and cut down on the prep work. Be sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the crockpot to avoid excess water diluting your soup.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot potato soup is a rich, hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. To make your meal even more enjoyable, here are some serving ideas to complete it:

Toppings

Crispy bacon: Not only does it add a smoky, salty crunch, but it also complements the creaminess of the soup perfectly.
Shredded cheese: Whether you choose Cheddar or Gouda, the cheese melts beautifully into the hot soup, enhancing its richness.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream not only adds creaminess but also introduces a tangy contrast.
Chopped green onions or chives: These fresh herbs brighten up the flavors and add a pop of color to your bowl.
Croutons: For a crunchy contrast, croutons are an excellent addition, providing texture to the creamy base.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. A loaf of sourdough or a French baguette pairs particularly well and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Garlic bread: Adds not only a buttery but also a flavorful complement to the soup, balancing the richness.
Side salad: A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette is ideal for balancing out the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast.

Bread Bowls

Serve in a bread bowl: For a restaurant-style presentation, you can serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. As the bread soaks up the creamy soup, it creates a delightful and hearty meal.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Crockpot Potato Soup

Potato soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal because it stores and reheats well. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers:

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken as it cools, so be prepared to add a little broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing: Potato soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

On the stovetop: Reheat the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of broth, milk, or cream to loosen it up.
In the microwave: Microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cream to separate.

Adjusting After Freezing

If you’ve frozen the soup and notice that the potatoes have become a bit grainy or the cream has separated, there’s an easy fix.
Stir in fresh cream or milk during reheating to restore the creamy texture. You can also blend the soup slightly with an immersion blender to help smooth it out.

Nutritional Information About Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of crockpot potato soup (without additional toppings):

Calories: 400-500, depending on the amount of butter and cream used.
Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams, primarily from the potatoes.
Fat: 20 grams, largely from the butter and cream.
Protein: 8 grams.
Fiber: 4-5 grams, thanks to the potatoes.

To make the soup lighter, consider using the following substitutes:

Milk instead of cream: Reduces the fat content but still provides creaminess.
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream: Adds protein and a tangy flavor without the extra fat.
Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth: A good option for vegetarians or those watching their sodium intake.

For those looking to increase protein, adding diced ham or turkey sausage is a great way to make the soup more filling while boosting its nutritional profile.

FAQs About Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe

What are the best potatoes for crockpot potato soup?

Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe because they break down easily during cooking, resulting in a creamy texture. However, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well if you prefer a chunkier soup with firmer potato pieces.

Can I make this soup without cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream to lighten the soup. Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk can also be used, though the flavor and texture may change slightly.

Can I use frozen hashbrowns instead of fresh potatoes?

Absolutely! Frozen hashbrowns are a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just be sure to thaw them properly before adding them to the crockpot to avoid excess water from diluting the soup.

Can you freeze crockpot potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly. To restore creaminess after thawing, stir in fresh cream or milk while reheating.

How do I thicken potato soup?

You can thicken the soup using xanthan gum, cornstarch, or a flour mixture. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot, which will naturally thicken the soup.

How long does potato soup last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, crockpot potato soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to reheat it gently to avoid breaking the cream.

Conclusion

Crockpot potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, as it combines the rich creaminess of potatoes with the ease and convenience of slow cooking. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even to have leftovers on hand for the week, this recipe offers everything you could want from a hearty, delicious soup.

Furthermore, with endless variations and toppings, you can easily customize this dish to suit your personal preferences. For instance, add bacon and cheese for a loaded potato soup, or alternatively, lighten it up with additional vegetables like carrots and celery. Moreover, with minimal prep time and the crockpot doing all the work, it’s a no-fuss recipe that you’ll return to again and again.

In short, grab your ingredients, set your crockpot, and soon, you’ll enjoy the savory, comforting goodness of homemade crockpot potato soup. It’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.