Hearty Crockpot Potato Soup: Creamy & Simple Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty Crockpot Potato Soup: Creamy, easy comfort for busy nights. Set it & forget it for a delicious, fuss-free meal your whole family will adore!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 lbs)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
06 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
07 -
6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (plus 1 tbsp rendered fat)
→ Creamy Goodness
08 -
1.5 cups whole milk
09 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Garnish & Toppings
10 -
1/4 cup fresh green onions, chopped
11 -
Sour cream (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those potatoes peeled and diced into roughly 1-inch cubes. You want them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – nobody wants crunchy bits in their creamy potato soup! Then, finely chop your onion and mince that garlic. This is where I always have my mis-en-place ready, because once the crockpot's on, it's just a waiting game. I always end up with potato peels everywhere, honestly, it’s a mess but a happy one.
02 -
In a skillet, cook your bacon until crispy. Remove it, leaving about a tablespoon of that glorious bacon fat in the pan. Now, toss in your chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant – don't let it burn, or your soup will taste bitter! This step builds such a lovely flavor foundation.
03 -
Now, transfer those sautéed onions and garlic into your crockpot. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. This is where the magic starts to happen, even if it doesn't look like much yet. I always get a little excited at this point, knowing what's to come.
04 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Honestly, I usually go for the low and slow method; it just feels like it develops a deeper flavor. You’ll know they’re ready when they practically fall apart when you poke them. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time? Pure bliss, a true sign of a hearty soup in the making.
05 -
Once the potatoes are tender, it's time to make this dish truly creamy! Add the whole milk and cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir well, letting the cream cheese melt and incorporate completely. I use a potato masher right in the pot to gently mash some of the potatoes against the sides. You want some chunks for texture, but mostly a smooth, velvety consistency. Don't over-mash, unless you want potato puree!
06 -
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes it needs a little more salt, sometimes a dash more pepper. Ladle it into bowls and top with your crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream (if you like!), and a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions. The smell, the texture, the warmth—it's just everything. Enjoy your creation!
# Notes:
01 -
For extra depth, roast your potatoes lightly with a drizzle of oil before adding them to the crockpot. It adds a lovely nutty flavor I swear by.
02 -
If you're out of cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream and a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (mixed with a little cold water) can thicken it up and add richness. I tried it once when I was desperate, and it worked surprisingly well, kinda.
03 -
You can chop all your veggies the night before and keep them in airtight containers. It makes morning assembly for this Hearty Crockpot Potato Soup a breeze!
04 -
A swirl of pesto on top just before serving adds an unexpected pop of color and herbaceous flavor that makes this soup extra special.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
02 -
large skillet
03 -
potato masher
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 18g