As the aroma of a hearty potato soup wafts through your kitchen, it’s enchanting to think about what could pair beautifully with this dish. Imagine a crisp green salad drizzled in zesty vinaigrette, or soft, buttered rolls waiting to soak up every drop of that creamy goodness.
A fresh loaf of sourdough bread has its own charm, serving as both a utensil and a delight in itself. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a side of spicy pickles can add an unexpected twist. Maybe a light dessert, like a fruit salad, serves as a refreshing finish. With these delightful options, your meal is sure to feel complete.
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Let’s talk about comfort food. What warms you up better than a bowl of creamy potato soup? This is that dish. It embraces you like a warm blanket on a chilly day and nourishes you from the inside out. But let’s focus on making it even easier, shall we? This is where the wonderful world of the crockpot comes in, marrying flavor and convenience beautifully.
Crockpot potato soup is not just any ordinary recipe; it’s a vintage classic brought back into our busy lives. With minimal hands-on time, it allows you to continue with your day while slowly simmering to perfection. If you’ve ever craved a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness without the fuss, you’ll want to stick around.
What is Crockpot Potato Soup?
Crockpot potato soup is a hearty dish made with simple ingredients that transform into a rich and creamy blend. As the potatoes cook down, they absorb flavors from herbs and spices, becoming the star of the show.
The beauty of using a crockpot is its ability to coax vibrant flavors from basic ingredients over time, creating a velvety, comforting soup that warms your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
Ease of Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. No need to hover over the stove. What a relief!
Flavor Explosion: You’ll experience a balance of creamy richness from the cheese and evaporated milk, combined with savory notes from bacon and spices. Each spoonful tells a story.
Versatility: Want to add some zing? Toss in some jalapeños. Prefer a vegan option? Skip the bacon and use vegetable stock. This soup adapts beautifully!
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe scales easily. Make a big batch for family gatherings or save individual portions for your quick lunches throughout the week.
Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-filling, this dish is perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. Kids can be tough critics, but this tends to win them over every time.
The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
You probably have some of these ingredients at home already. Here’s everything needed to whip up that fantastic potato soup:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes are the best for soup.
- 1 medium white or yellow onion: Adds depth and sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons reserved bacon drippings (or unsalted butter, if preferred): It elevates the dish with natural fats and flavor.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: For thickening the soup without it being too heavy.
- 3–4 cups quality chicken or veggie broth: Choose the amount based on how thick you like your soup.
- 1 (12-ounce) can low-fat evaporated milk (2%): This creates that beloved creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, reduced-fat: The key to making this soup rich and cheesy.
- 6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, finely chopped: A flavorful addition you won’t want to miss.
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt (or substitute with low-fat sour cream): For added creaminess and a touch of tang.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste: For balancing the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A touch of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth without heat.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried): A subtle herby note ties everything together.
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, more shredded cheese, extra bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by washing and peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes. Depending on your preference, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Next, chop them into small cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Dice the Onion
While your potatoes take center stage, grab your onion. Finely dice it. This will add sweetness and flavor to our broth.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon (if using)
In a skillet, cook your bacon until crisp. Reserve the drippings. Trust me; the flavors from the bacon make this soup a showstopper! Chop the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces for later.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, reserved bacon drippings (or butter), flour, and the broth to your crockpot. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Step 5: Seasoning Time
Now, sprinkle in your salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. These spices add much-needed warmth and depth to the soup. Give it a gentle stir.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This is where the magic happens. During this time, you can forget about it. Seriously!
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the cooking time is up, use a fork or potato masher to break up some of the potatoes for extra creaminess. Add your evaporated milk, and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into the soup. This gives it that rich and creamy texture we all love.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top with the chopped bacon, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and sprinkle some green onions or chives. Serve hot and enjoy your creation!
Notes
Cut Uniformly: Make sure your potato cubes are uniform in size for even cooking. You don’t want some mushy and some crunchy!
Broth Quality Matters: Always choose a high-quality broth. This will enhance the flavor immensely.
Creaminess Level: If you love an extra creamy soup, you can add more evaporated milk or even a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Spice Control: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your family’s taste. If the kids are sensitive to spice, leave out the paprika.
Adapt to Your Dietary Needs: This recipe is quite forgiving. You can go gluten-free with cornstarch or use dairy-free alternatives to make it vegan.
Storage Tips
Let’s face it, leftovers are a blessing! For storing excess soup, follow these easy steps:
Refrigerate: After it cools, store your soup in an airtight container. Consume it within 3–4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, place the soup in suitable freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to leave some space at the top when freezing, as liquids expand.
Revive Leftovers: When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy texture, as it might thicken in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough estimate per serving (makes about 8 servings):
- Calories: 295
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
This is a comforting yet balanced meal, providing plenty of nutrients to fuel your day!
Serving Suggestions
With Crunchy Garlic Bread: Serve alongside fresh garlic bread toast for that extra crispy delight. Perfect for dipping!
Fresh Side Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette adds freshness. The acidity from the dressing balances out the richness of the soup.
Baked Potatoes: Make mini baked potatoes as additional sides to offer a choice that’s equally comforting.
Sandwich Pairings: Grilled cheese or a classic blt sandwich can create a hearty meal that’s kid-friendly too.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing your bowl with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Other Substitutes for Ingredients in Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
Yukon Gold Potatoes: Red potatoes can be a great substitute. They hold their shape a bit better but will still provide creaminess.
Greek Yogurt: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use plain low-fat sour cream or even Silken tofu for a vegan alternative.
Chicken Broth: Opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even bone broth for added nutrition.
Cheddar Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or cream cheese for more creaminess.
Bacon: If you want to keep it vegetarian, smoked paprika and nutty sunflower seeds can replace that smoky flavor.
Crockpot Potato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by washing and peeling your Yukon Gold potatoes. Depending on your preference, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. Next, chop them into small cubes. This ensures that they cook evenly.
- While your potatoes take center stage, grab your onion. Finely dice it. This will add sweetness and flavor to our broth.
- In a skillet, cook your bacon until crisp. Reserve the drippings. Trust me; the flavors from the bacon make this soup a showstopper! Chop the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces for later.
- Add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, reserved bacon drippings (or butter), flour, and the broth to your crockpot. Stir gently to mix everything together.
- Now, sprinkle in your salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. These spices add much-needed warmth and depth to the soup. Give it a gentle stir.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This is where the magic happens. During this time, you can forget about it. Seriously!
- Once the cooking time is up, use a fork or potato masher to break up some of the potatoes for extra creaminess. Add your evaporated milk, and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts into the soup. This gives it that rich and creamy texture we all love.
- Top with the chopped bacon, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and sprinkle some green onions or chives. Serve hot and enjoy your creation!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Though fresh potatoes tend to be better, frozen cubed potatoes can save you some prep time. Just be aware they may cook slightly differently.
How do I make this soup vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, use olive oil instead of bacon drippings, and omit the bacon. Replace cheese with a vegan cheese and yogurt with cashew cream.
Can I use other herbs?
Definitely! Thyme is traditional, but feel free to experiment with rosemary, chives, or even dill. Each brings a unique flavor profile.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This potato soup keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen. It’s perfect for meal prep, making lunches easy to grab.
How can I thicken the soup without flour?
For gluten-free options, try using cornstarch or potato starch mixed with cold water, then add it towards the end of cooking.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or even kale can add extra nutrients and flavor. You can also sneak in some spinach for added greens.
Conclusion
There you have it—a comforting bowl of crockpot potato soup that demonstrates the power of simplicity and adaptability. From busy weeknights to family gatherings, this dish stands out as a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy it with various sides and toppings, making it your own each time. Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let’s enjoy a flavorful embrace that only homemade soup can bring!