Crockpot Potato Soup: Ultimate Comfort Food Ready When You Are
Crockpot potato soup is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal that brings warmth to any day. This creamy, hearty dish combines tender potatoes with savory flavors that develop beautifully during the slow cooking process. Whether you’re looking for an easy potato soup crock pot recipe or want to try something special like hash brown potato soup, this versatile dish adapts to your preferences. As someone who learned to cook at my grandmother’s side, I’ve discovered that slow cooker recipes like this homemade potato soup capture that same “cooked with love” feeling while fitting perfectly into busy modern lifestyles.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Soup
Perfect for Busy Days
The beauty of slow cooker potato soup lies in its simplicity. In the morning, you’ll spend just 15 minutes prepping ingredients before your crock pot works its magic all day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you with minimal effort. This recipe has saved countless evenings in my kitchen when I’ve been too busy to stand over a stove.
Customizable for Everyone
One of the greatest advantages of this best potato soup recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. The base recipe creates a perfectly creamy potato soup, but the variations are endless:
- Add bacon or ham for a smokier flavor
- Stir in cheddar cheese for a loaded baked potato soup crock pot version
- Use hash browns instead of diced potatoes for a different texture
- Add Italian sausage for a heartier sausage potato soup
- Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
This adaptability makes it perfect for families with varying preferences or for meal prep since you can transform leftovers into different variations throughout the week.
Ingredients for Perfect Crockpot Potato Soup
Basic Ingredients
- 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 pounds) or 1 package (30 oz) frozen hash browns for hash brown potato soup
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream (added near end of cooking)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup diced ham or 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 pound Italian sausage, browned (for sausage potato soup)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream
- Extra bacon bits
- Fresh chives
How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup
Preparation Steps
- Peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes (or use frozen hash browns for an easier hash brown potato soup variation)
- Dice onion and mince garlic
- If adding sausage or bacon, cook it separately first
- Measure out all other ingredients to have them ready
Cooking Process
- Add potatoes, onion, garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are very tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together heavy cream and flour in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour the cream mixture into the soup and stir well.
- If desired, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon for a thicker texture, or use an immersion blender to partially blend for a creamier consistency.
- Add in any pre-cooked meat and shredded cheese if desired.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until soup has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper Storage
This homemade potato soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooling completely:
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months (note: cream-based soups may separate slightly when thawed but can be reheated successfully)
Reheating for Best Results
To maintain the creamy texture of your slow cooker potato soup when reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching
- Microwave: Use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each
- Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage
- Stir in a little extra cheese or cream after reheating to refresh the flavor
If you’ve frozen the soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Popular Variations
This versatile crockpot soup recipe can be adapted in countless ways:
| Variation | Key Ingredients to Add | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded Baked Potato | Extra cheese, bacon, sour cream | Comfort food lovers |
| Hash Brown Potato Soup | Frozen hash browns instead of diced potatoes | Quick prep time |
| Sausage Potato Soup | Browned Italian sausage | Heartier meal |
| Veggie-Packed | Add carrots, celery, corn | Extra nutrition |
| Dairy-Free | Coconut milk instead of cream | Lactose-intolerant guests |
Perfect Pairings
Complete your meal with these complementary sides:
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic soup-and-sandwich combo
- Roasted vegetables for added nutrition
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FAQs About Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I use different potatoes for this soup?
Yes! Russet potatoes break down more and create a thicker soup, while Yukon Golds hold their shape better. For hash brown potato soup, frozen shredded or cubed hash browns work perfectly.
My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your slow cooker potato soup needs thickening, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot, add 1-2 tablespoons additional flour mixed with cold water, or use an immersion blender for a few seconds.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this best potato soup recipe.
How do I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Use the sauté function to cook any meat, then add all ingredients except cream. Pressure cook for 10 minutes with a quick release, then stir in the cream mixture and use sauté function to thicken if needed.
Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes! Add frozen corn, peas, or mixed vegetables during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color in your homemade potato soup.
Embrace the Comfort of Crockpot Potato Soup
There’s something magical about coming home to the aroma of slow cooker potato soup that has been simmering all day. This crockpot potato soup recipe brings together simplicity and comfort in a bowl, reminding me of the lessons my grandmother taught me about food being more than just sustenance it’s about creating moments of joy and connection.
Whether you make the classic version or try the sausage potato soup variation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. The easy preparation and delicious results make it perfect for busy weeknights, weekend family meals, or even casual entertaining with friends.
I’d love to hear how you customize this recipe to make it your own! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite additions or the special occasions when you serve this soup.
