Craving ultimate comfort without the fuss? This crock pot potato soup recipe delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. Imagine creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and rich flavors all simmering to perfection while you go about your day. Our lighter version still offers incredible taste, making it a guilt-free pleasure for any meal. Get ready to embrace the warmth and simplicity of this delightful, easy-to-make soup tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Potato Soup
- Minimal hands-on prep: Simply assemble your ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the hard work. This frees up your time for other activities.
- Rich, creamy texture: Achieve a wonderfully thick and velvety soup without relying on heavy cream. Evaporated milk provides the perfect body.
- Deep, savory flavors: The combination of bacon, onion, and stock creates a complex, comforting taste profile. Every spoonful is incredibly satisfying.
- Hearty, satisfying meal: This soup is packed with tender potatoes and savory bits, making it a complete and fulfilling dish on its own. It truly warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable with favorite toppings: Easily personalize each bowl with extra cheese, green onions, or more crispy bacon. Make it exactly how you love it.
- Perfect for weeknights or gatherings: Its ease makes it ideal for busy evenings, yet its deliciousness is impressive enough for serving to guests. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
To make this delightful crock pot potato soup recipe, gather these key items.
- 6 slices cooked bacon*, diced
- 3-4 cups good-quality chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes**, peeled (if desired) and diced
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease* (or butter)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (12-ounce) can 2% evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- Optional toppings: thinly-sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, extra bacon, sour cream
Notes & Substitutions
- Bacon/Grease: Cook bacon until crispy; reserve rendered grease for the roux.
- Potatoes: Russet or red potatoes also work; Yukon golds are creamiest.
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon; use vegetable stock and butter.
- Thickener: A cornstarch slurry also works if you prefer no flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened plant-based milk and yogurt options.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic tools to prepare this amazing crock pot potato soup recipe with ease. A 6-quart slow cooker is essential for simmering the ingredients to perfection. You will also need a small saucepan for making the roux, a sturdy potato masher, and a whisk. An airtight container is always useful for storing any delicious leftovers.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious crock pot potato soup recipe.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: First, add your diced cooked bacon, 3 cups of chicken stock, diced Yukon gold potatoes, and diced onion to the bowl of a large slow cooker. Stir everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well combined within the pot.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, if you are short on time, cook on the “high” setting for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the potatoes to become completely tender and cooked through, easily mashed with a fork.
- Make the Roux: Once the soup has slow-cooked and the potatoes are ready, it’s time to prepare the thickening agent. In a small saucepan on your stovetop, melt the 4 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter) over medium-high heat.
- Create the Paste: Whisk in the 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour until it is fully combined with the melted fat, forming a smooth paste. Cook this roux for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Evaporated Milk: Gradually pour in the 12-ounce can of 2% evaporated milk while continuously whisking it into the flour mixture. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes completely smooth and lump-free.
- Thicken the Milk Mixture: Allow the milk mixture to continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer and significantly thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Stir: Immediately pour this thickened milk mixture directly into the slow cooker with your tender potatoes. Stir vigorously until it is fully combined and integrated into the potato mixture, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Now, stir in the 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of plain low-fat Greek yogurt (or low-fat sour cream), 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly-cracked black pepper. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well blended and the cheese has melted into the soup. This creates a wonderfully creamy crock pot potato soup recipe.
- Adjust Consistency: For an even thicker soup, use a potato masher or a large spoon to mash about half of the cooked potatoes directly in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add an extra 1-2 cups of warmed chicken or vegetable stock until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired. Serve your homemade crock pot potato soup recipe warm, garnished generously with your favorite optional toppings. Or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe will not freeze well.
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Potato Soup
Achieve the best crock pot potato soup recipe results with these helpful tips. Dice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking throughout the slow simmering process. Yukon golds are ideal for their wonderfully creamy texture once cooked and mashed, offering superior mouthfeel. Don’t skip making the roux; it is absolutely key for that rich, velvety consistency you desire. Season generously as you cook, tasting and adjusting flavors as you go, because proper seasoning enhances every bite. Avoid overcooking potatoes, which can make the soup unpleasantly mushy. You can easily mash potatoes directly in the slow cooker to thicken the soup without extra dishes. Always adjust liquid amounts for your preferred consistency. For an even richer soup, consider using full-fat dairy options in place of reduced-fat ingredients.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your hearty crock pot potato soup recipe with crusty bread for dipping, or pair it with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. Offer a toppings buffet featuring extra cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions so everyone can personalize their bowl perfectly. It makes a satisfying and comforting meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it in the microwave. Please note that the texture of potato soup can change significantly if frozen and thawed, so freezing is generally not recommended for this recipe.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your slow cooker potato soup! Add diced smoked sausage or ham for extra protein and a smoky flavor boost. Stir in corn or other favorite vegetables like diced carrots or celery for added nutrition and texture. Introduce a spicy kick with diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could even try a cheesy bacon ranch theme, or explore different cheese types like Gruyere or white cheddar for unique flavor profiles. For another hearty lima bean soup option, consider adding different kinds of beans for a robust texture.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this comforting crock pot potato soup recipe knowing you’re nourishing your family. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on 8 servings. Please note, these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients, exact portion sizes, and brands used in your kitchen.
| Nutrition Fact | Amount (est. per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
Crock Pot Potato Soup FAQs
- What type of potatoes work best? Yukon gold potatoes are highly recommended for their creamy texture. Russet or red varieties also work well.
- Can I make this soup dairy-free? Yes, use unsweetened plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and plant-based yogurt alternatives.
- How do I make the soup thicker or thinner? Mash more potatoes in the slow cooker for thicker soup. Add warmed stock for a thinner consistency.
- Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time? Yes, dice potatoes and onion the day before. Store them submerged in water in the fridge to prevent browning. For another convenient option, try a make-ahead egg casserole.
- Why doesn’t this crock pot potato soup recipe freeze well? Potatoes become mealy and watery after freezing and thawing, compromising the soup’s creamy texture.
Conclusion
There you have it – a wonderfully easy and incredibly delicious crock pot potato soup recipe perfect for any day of the week. This comforting meal brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal fuss, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. We hope you and your family enjoy this cozy, hearty soup as much as we do. Share your experience and favorite toppings in the comments below!
