Indulge in a bowl of creamy, comforting crockpot potato soup. It's loaded with hearty potatoes, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, making it a perfect meal for any cozy night in. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to set it and forget it until it's time to enjoy.
Heavy cream and sour cream might not be everyday staples in your kitchen, but they are essential for achieving the rich texture and flavor of this soup. Make sure to grab these from the dairy aisle. Also, do note the use of cornstarch, which helps thicken the soup, and green onions for a fresh garnish.
Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup
Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.
Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
Red potatoes: The main ingredient, giving the soup its hearty texture.
Garlic cloves: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of pungency.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the other flavors.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the soup.
Heavy cream: Makes the soup rich and creamy.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, adding sharpness and depth.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang.
Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
One reader, Corette Perea says:
This crockpot potato soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld perfectly, and the creamy texture is divine. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. The bacon adds a delightful crunch. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Making the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
How to cook bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy over medium-high heat. Remove from the pan, and reserve the fat. How to cook onions: Add the onion to the reserved bacon fat, then cook until tender. How to use an immersion blender: Once softened, use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup, then slightly mash the remaining potatoes. How to combine cream and cornstarch: Combine the cream and cornstarch in a bowl, then add them to the slow cooker along with cheese, sour cream, and half of the bacon.
How To Make Crockpot Potato Soup
Enjoy a flavorful and creamy bowl of potato soup for dinner tonight! Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the easy cooking for you.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8slicesbacon
- ½onion,diced
- 2lbred potatoes,peeled and diced
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- ½tspdried thyme,or 2 fresh sprigs
- ½tspblack pepper
- 2½cupschicken broth,or stock
- ⅔cupheavy cream
- 1tspcornstarch
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
- ½cupsour cream
- 3green onions,tops sliced thinly
Instructions
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Cook the bacon until crispy over medium-high heat. Remove from the pan, and reserve the fat.
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Add the onion to the reserved bacon fat, then cook until tender.
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Add the potatoes, garlic, thyme leaves, onion, salt to taste, and black pepper.
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Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
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Place the lid on the slow cooker, then cook on High for 4 hours or 6 to 8 hours on Low, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Once softened, use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup, then slightly mash the remaining potatoes.
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Combine the cream and cornstarch in a bowl, then add them to the slow cooker along with cheese, sour cream, and half of the bacon.
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Place the lid back on the slow cooker, then let the soup warm through on High for 15 to 20 minutes or until thickened.
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Serve the soup topped with green onions and remaining bacon, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 531.21kcal
- Fat: 37.81g
- Saturated Fat: 18.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.65g
- Carbohydrates: 32.12g
- Fiber: 3.06g
- Sugar: 5.90g
- Protein: 16.83g
- Cholesterol: 97.16mg
- Sodium: 588.85mg
- Calcium: 219.09mg
- Potassium: 976.91mg
- Iron: 1.83mg
- Vitamin A: 209.51µg
- Vitamin C: 16.07mg
Pro Tip for Enhancing Crockpot Potato Soup Flavor
To achieve a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth after cooking the onion in the reserved bacon fat. This will help lift any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan, adding depth to your crockpot potato soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Crockpot Potato Soup
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, potatoes, and garlic the night before to save time in the morning.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Opt for store-bought pre-cooked bacon to skip the frying step.
Instant pot option: If you have an Instant Pot, use it to cook the soup faster than a slow cooker.
Pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Substitute Ingredients For CrockPot Potato Soup Recipe
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Provides a similar smoky flavor with less fat.
bacon - Substitute with smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavor without the meat.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Offers a milder, sweeter taste.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Adds a subtle onion flavor with a hint of sweetness.
red potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Similar texture and flavor, though russets are starchier.
red potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Adds a different flavor profile and a touch of sweetness.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Provides a similar garlic flavor; use 1/8 tsp per clove.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Adds a mild garlic and onion flavor.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Offers a different but complementary herb flavor.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Adds a more robust, pine-like flavor.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: Provides a similar heat without the black specks.
black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Adds heat with a slightly different flavor profile.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Keeps the soup flavorful while making it vegetarian.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Adds a richer, deeper flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Provides creaminess with a hint of coconut flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with half-and-half: Reduces fat content while maintaining creaminess.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Works similarly as a thickening agent.
cornstarch - Substitute with flour: Can thicken the soup, though it may alter the texture slightly.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a similar melt and mild flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gouda cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Offers a similar tangy flavor with added protein.
sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Provides a similar creamy texture and tang.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
green onions - Substitute with scallions: Offers a similar flavor and texture.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Potato Soup
Use a shallow, wide bowl: This allows the potato soup to spread out, showcasing its creamy texture and the vibrant colors of the garnishes.
Crisp bacon garnish: Crumble the reserved bacon into small, uniform pieces and sprinkle them artfully over the soup, ensuring each bite has a bit of that smoky, crispy goodness.
Cheddar cheese swirl: Grate the cheddar cheese finely and create a delicate swirl on top of the soup. This not only adds flavor but also a visual appeal with its rich, golden hue.
Green onion curls: Slice the green onions thinly on a bias and place them in ice water for a few minutes to curl. Use these curls as a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of green.
Drizzle of cream: Use a small spoon or a squeeze bottle to drizzle a bit of heavy cream in a circular pattern on top of the soup, adding a touch of elegance and creaminess.
Serve with a side of crusty bread: Pair the potato soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread to complement the creamy texture and provide a satisfying crunch.
Microgreens for freshness: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the soup for a fresh, vibrant touch that enhances both the flavor and the presentation.
Use a contrasting plate: Serve the bowl of soup on a dark-colored plate to make the colors of the soup and garnishes stand out, creating a striking visual contrast.
Final touch of black pepper: Grind fresh black pepper over the top just before serving to add a subtle spice and a final touch of sophistication.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crockpot Soup
Skillet: Used to cook the bacon until crispy and to sauté the onions in the reserved bacon fat.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the bacon and removing it from the skillet once it's crispy.
Cutting board: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and green onions.
Chef's knife: Used for chopping the onion, garlic, and green onions, as well as cutting the potatoes.
Slow cooker: The main cooking vessel for the soup, allowing it to cook slowly and develop flavors.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring out the thyme, black pepper, and cornstarch.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream.
Immersion blender: Used to blend about half of the soup to achieve a creamy texture.
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the heavy cream and cornstarch before adding them to the slow cooker.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients in the skillet and the slow cooker.
Potato masher: Used to slightly mash the remaining potatoes after blending part of the soup.
Grater: Used to grate the cheddar cheese before adding it to the soup.
Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: To serve the finished soup.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the skillet and slow cooker.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crockpot Potato Soup
- Let the potato soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the potato soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Soup
Reheat the potato soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and prevent the soup from scorching or separating.
If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to help thin it out and restore its original consistency.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer individual portions of the soup to microwave-safe bowls and heat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
To prevent the sour cream and cheddar cheese from curdling during reheating, avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil. Instead, heat it gently and stir frequently to ensure even distribution of heat.
If you find that the flavors have mellowed after refrigeration, brighten up the taste by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped green onions or parsley.
For a creamier texture, consider blending the reheated soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender (in batches) until it reaches your desired consistency.
If you have stored the bacon and green onion garnishes separately, reheat the bacon in a skillet or microwave until crispy, and add them to the soup just before serving for a fresh, crunchy texture.
Interesting Trivia About Potato Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that using an immersion blender to blend half of the soup creates a creamy texture without needing to add extra cream. This technique helps to thicken the soup naturally while still leaving some chunks of potato for added texture.
Is Making Crockpot Potato Soup Cost-Effective?
Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this crockpot potato soup recipe, it scores an 8 out of 10. The ingredients like red potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth are relatively inexpensive and can be found in most households. The bacon, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream add a bit to the cost but are balanced by the large yield of the soup. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a hearty meal.
Is Crockpot Potato Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crockpot potato soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe includes several high-fat ingredients such as bacon, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source like chicken or turkey breast
- Use low-fat milk or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the overall fat content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the soup, such as carrots, celery, and spinach, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream used, or opt for low-fat versions of these ingredients
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish
- Serve the soup with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to add more balance to the meal
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting potato soup into a more nutritious and well-rounded dish that still satisfies your cravings for a warm and creamy bowl of goodness.
Editor's Opinion on This Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe
This crockpot potato soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for colder months. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy broth creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The use of an immersion blender adds a delightful texture, while the addition of cheddar cheese and sour cream enhances the creaminess. The green onions provide a fresh contrast, and the thyme adds a subtle herbal note. Overall, it's a well-balanced and delicious soup that is easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Enhance Your CrockPot Potato Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Crockpot Potato Soup
Why trust this CrockPot Potato Soup Recipe:
This crockpot potato soup recipe is a must-try for its rich and creamy texture, thanks to the perfect blend of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. The addition of crispy bacon and fresh green onions elevates the flavor profile, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The use of an immersion blender ensures a smooth consistency, while the slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become perfectly tender. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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