Crock Pot Potato Soup: Amazing 4-Ingredient Recipe

Crock Pot Potato Soup has always been my go-to for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. I remember the first time I successfully made this dish *from scratch*, the aroma filling my kitchen was incredible. It’s so satisfying to know how to make crock pot potato soup, and the result is this wonderfully creamy crock pot potato soup that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday, promising pure comfort in every spoonful. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Potato Soup

This recipe for Crock Pot Potato Soup is a weeknight winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly delicious, packed with hearty flavor, and surprisingly healthy. You’ll love how minimal the prep time is, making it a truly easy crock pot potato soup. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd, making it perfect for busy families. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters. Honestly, making this easy crock pot potato soup feels like cheating because it’s so simple yet tastes so gourmet!

• Incredibly rich and satisfying flavor
• Minimal prep time for busy schedules
• A healthier way to enjoy comfort food
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Family-approved and kid-friendly
• Effortless cooking with the slow cooker

Ingredients for Crock Pot Potato Soup

Gathering the ingredients for this amazing slow cooker potato soup is simple and rewarding. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – to sauté our aromatics
• 1 large onion, chopped – about 1.5 cups, adds a sweet base
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped – for a touch of sweetness and color
• 2 celery stalks, chopped – adds depth and a subtle savory note
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic soup flavor
• 6 cups vegetable broth – the liquid foundation for our soup
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed – about 2 lbs, the star of the show!
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – brings an earthy, peppery flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – for a little warmth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional) – for that luxurious, creamy texture
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – for a cheesy boost
• Salt to taste – to perfectly balance all the flavors
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish (optional) – for a fresh, bright finish
• Bacon bits, for garnish (optional) – for that irresistible smoky crunch

How to Make Crock Pot Potato Soup

Let’s get this delicious soup started! Making crock pot potato soup is incredibly straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a comforting meal.

1. Step 1: Prepare your vegetables. Start by chopping the 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks into roughly 1/2-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly. Peel and cube your 4 medium russet potatoes to a similar size. Don’t forget to mince the 4 cloves garlic – the aroma is just the beginning!
2. Step 2: Sauté the aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they start to soften, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a fantastic flavor base. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Step 3: Slow cook the soup. Transfer the sautéed vegetables and garlic into your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. I love opening the lid partway through and smelling that amazing aroma – it smells like pure comfort!

4. Step 4: Achieve that creamy texture. Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time to make it creamy. Carefully remove about 1 cup of the soup. You can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for the easiest cleanup, or transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until smooth, then return the pureed soup back into the slow cooker. Stir it all together. This is how you get that signature thick, velvety texture without needing a lot of extra ingredients. It’s a simple trick for amazing crock pot potato soup with bacon.
5. Step 5: Finish and season. If you’re aiming for an extra-rich soup, stir in the 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk. For a cheesy version, add the 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and gooey. Finally, season with salt to taste. This is where you can really customize it to your liking. If you’re adding bacon, now is a great time to stir in those crispy bits for that classic crock pot potato soup with bacon flavor.
6. Step 6: Serve and enjoy! Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and of course, more bacon bits if you love them! This truly is the best crock pot potato soup, perfect for a chilly day.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Potato Soup

Want to elevate your slow cooker potato soup? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make all the difference for a truly exceptional bowl.

• For the absolute best flavor, sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery before adding them to the slow cooker builds a much deeper flavor base.
• Using russet potatoes is key for that perfect, starchy thickness. They break down beautifully and create a naturally creamy texture.
• Don’t skip the pureeing step! Removing a cup of soup and blending it smooth before returning it to the pot is how you achieve that restaurant-quality velvety consistency.
• Taste and adjust salt at the very end. Broth and any added cheese can be salty, so it’s best to season after all other ingredients are combined.

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Potato Soup?

The real secret to a perfect, creamy crock pot potato soup is in the texture. Sautéing the vegetables first develops a richer flavor, and pureeing a portion of the cooked soup creates that luxuriously smooth consistency without needing heavy cream. For more information on building flavor in soups, check out this guide on the benefits of onions.

Can I make Crock Pot Potato Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can chop all your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding them to the slow cooker. This makes morning prep even faster for your simple slow cooker potato soup.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Potato Soup?

A common pitfall is watery soup; to avoid this, make sure to use starchy potatoes like russets and puree some of the soup. If it’s still too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in to thicken it up. Also, be careful not to overcook the garlic. Proper cooking techniques are essential for any recipe, similar to how one might prepare spaghetti with garlic and oil.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Potato Soup

This hearty soup is fantastic on its own, but I love dressing it up with toppings! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together. For a truly indulgent experience, think of it as a base for a delicious crock pot loaded potato soup.

• Classic Toppings: Pile on shredded cheddar cheese, crisp bacon bits, and fresh chopped chives or green onions. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt is also amazing.
• Pair with Bread: Serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or warm cornbread. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Potato Soup

This comforting bowl of Crock Pot Potato Soup is surprisingly nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving, assuming it makes 8 servings:

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on optional additions like cream and cheese)
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Protein: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Fiber: 6-8g
• Sugar: 5-7g
• Sodium: 600-800mg (can vary greatly based on broth and added salt)

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially if you opt for richer additions like heavy cream or cheese. For a different kind of healthy meal, consider a mediterranean chickpea salad.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Potato Soup

One of the best things about this simple slow cooker potato soup is how well it stores and reheats. Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, which usually takes about an hour, transfer the soup into airtight containers. I find that smaller, individual portions are great for quick lunches throughout the week. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, and it’s still delicious! If you want to keep it even longer, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating is just as easy. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup seems a little thick after storing, you can always add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Potato Soup

Can I make Crock Pot Potato Soup without cream or dairy?

Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic even without the optional cream or cheese. The magic of russet potatoes and the pureeing step create a naturally thick and creamy texture. For a completely dairy-free and vegetarian crock pot potato soup, simply omit the cream and cheese. You can stir in a splash of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for extra creaminess if you like, though it’s often not needed.

What kind of potatoes are best for Crock Pot Potato Soup?

Russet potatoes are my top recommendation for this crock pot potato soup. They have a high starch content, which breaks down beautifully during the slow cooking process and naturally thickens the soup, giving it that wonderful, velvety texture. Yukon Golds are a good alternative if you can’t find russets, but they might result in a slightly less thick soup.

How do I make Crock Pot Potato Soup thicker?

If your slow cooker potato soup isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking, don’t worry! The best method is to remove about a cup of the soup and blend it until smooth, then stir it back into the pot. If it’s still too thin for your liking, you can create a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stirring that into the soup and letting it simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Some people also find that adding a bit more cheese helps thicken it.

Can I add other vegetables to this Crock Pot Potato Soup recipe?

Yes, you can definitely customize this recipe! Many people enjoy adding other vegetables to their homemade crock pot potato soup. Some popular additions include corn, peas, broccoli florets (add these in the last hour of cooking so they don’t get mushy), or even some chopped bell peppers. Just be mindful of how much liquid your added vegetables might release. For a different vegetable-focused dish, consider roasted carrot soup.

Variations of Crock Pot Potato Soup You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic crock pot potato soup, you can have so much fun experimenting with different flavors and styles! It’s amazing how many ways you can adapt this recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup: For a truly decadent experience, load it up! Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving. It’s a heartier, more indulgent take on the classic.
• Crock Pot Potato Chowder: If you prefer a thicker, richer soup, think of this as a crock pot potato chowder. You can achieve this by using less broth, adding a can of evaporated milk in the last hour of cooking, or incorporating a roux made from butter and flour before adding the liquids.
• Healthy Crock Pot Potato Soup: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding more carrots, celery, or even some kale or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Crock Pot Potato Soup: This recipe is already fantastic as a vegetarian crock pot potato soup if you use vegetable broth. Ensure all your garnishes, like bacon bits, are also vegetarian-friendly if needed.

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