Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

The Best Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Comfort wraps around you like a warm blanket when cheesy potato soup simmers in the crock pot.

Winter afternoons demand something hearty and soul-satisfying.

Potatoes become creamy magic under slow cooking’s gentle embrace.

Cheese melts into liquid gold, creating rich layers of flavor.

Each spoonful promises a delicious journey through simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners feel special with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Grab your ladle and get ready to savor pure comfort in a bowl.

What To Pair With Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Cut through the soup's richness with a light, zesty salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy potato soup.
  • Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough slices alongside the soup for perfect dipping and soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
  • Complement with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to refresh the palate and cut through the soup's hearty, creamy texture.
  • Enhance with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a smooth amber ale or light lager that won't overpower the soup's delicate cheese and potato flavors.

New Spins On Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Loaded Potato Soup Remix: Skip the mashing and keep potatoes whole, add crispy bacon bits, diced ham, and extra sharp cheddar for a hearty protein-packed version.
  • Vegetarian Green Dream: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, add spinach, kale, and swap cheese for nutritional yeast to create a plant-based creamy soup.
  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, replace paprika with chili powder, top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate roasted garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and sprinkle feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired potato soup experience.

Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Questions Answered

  • Why use a slow cooker for potato soup?

A slow cooker allows ingredients to develop deep, rich flavors while ensuring potatoes become perfectly tender without constant monitoring. The low, steady heat helps blend ingredients seamlessly and makes cooking super easy.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. The cheese and cream will still provide amazing flavor and richness for a delicious vegetarian version.

  • How do I prevent the dairy from curdling?

Add cream and cheese at the end of cooking and stir gently. Keep the slow cooker on low heat when incorporating dairy ingredients to maintain smooth, creamy texture without separation.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

What Makes Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup So Good

  • Effortless Comfort Cooking: Crock pot method makes this soup a breeze, letting you toss ingredients in and walk away while a delicious meal practically prepares itself.
  • Time-Saving Meal Magic: Minimal prep work means you can have a hearty, creamy soup ready in just 3-4 hours on high setting or 6-8 hours on low, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Flexible texture options let you mash potatoes to your liking, and optional toppings like bacon and green onions make this soup adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
  • Cozy Winter Comfort: Rich, cheesy, and warming, this soup delivers ultimate comfort food vibes that will satisfy everyone from kids to adults during cold weather or when craving something truly nurturing.

What’s In Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes and Vegetables:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base of the soup, providing creamy texture and substantial foundation.
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic base to the soup.
  • Garlic: Brings robust, warm flavor and enhances overall taste profile.
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Broth: Essential liquid component that creates the soup's foundational flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the dish.
  • Pepper: Adds mild heat and complements the soup's creamy texture.
  • Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and slight smoky undertone.
Dairy and Cheese Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Create rich, smooth, and luxurious texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully into the soup.
Garnish Options:
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
  • Bacon: Optional crispy topping that adds smoky, salty crunch.

Directions For Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

Step 1: Toss in the Flavor Makers

  • Grab your slow cooker and add these delightful ingredients
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Gently let your slow cooker work its magic:
  • For a lazy day approach, set on Low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours
  • In a hurry? Use High setting for 3-4 hours

Cook until potatoes become super tender and can be easily pierced with a fork

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Transform your soup’s consistency:
  • Use a potato masher to crush some potatoes
  • Want extra chunky? Mash less
  • Prefer super smooth? Mash more thoroughly

Step 4: Bring on the Cheesy Goodness

Time to make this soup irresistibly rich:
  • Pour in heavy cream
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese
  • Add cream cheese

Stir until everything melts into a dreamy, creamy blend

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Elevate your soup’s deliciousness:
  • Swirl in sour cream
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Step 6: Serve with Style

Make your soup look and taste amazing:
  • Ladle into warm bowls
  • Sprinkle chopped green onions
  • Add extra cheese
  • Top with crispy bacon bits if you're feeling indulgent

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy potato masterpiece!

Tips To Perfect Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Potato Perfection: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Creamy Consistency Hack: Mash a portion of potatoes to create a thicker, more luxurious soup base without using extra thickeners.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Low and Slow Technique: Use the slow cooker's low setting for deeper flavor development and more tender potato pieces.
  • Diet-Friendly Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with milk alternatives, use low-fat cheese, or add cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb version of the soup.

How To Keep Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator's main compartment, not the door.
  • When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Avoid freezing this soup, as dairy-based soups can separate and become grainy when thawed.
  • Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  • Discard any soup that develops an off smell or appears moldy.
  • For best quality, consume within 2-3 days of preparation to enjoy the most delicious flavor and texture.
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Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy potatoes and rich cheese into a soul-warming experience. Effortless preparation and deep flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this classic midwest comfort classic.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 russet potatoes, peeled & diced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream

Garnish:

  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather and arrange diced potatoes, minced onion, crushed garlic, and seasonings inside the crock pot, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Pour vegetable or chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are well-submerged and evenly distributed.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the mixture to simmer gently, transforming the raw ingredients into a tender, aromatic blend over 6-8 hours.
  4. When potatoes become soft and easily pierced with a fork, carefully use a potato masher to partially crush some potatoes, creating a rustic, creamy consistency.
  5. Introduce rich dairy elements by gradually stirring in heavy cream, allowing the liquid to integrate smoothly with the existing soup texture.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, gently folding until the cheese melts completely and creates a velvety, uniform appearance.
  7. Incorporate cream cheese, breaking it into small pieces and stirring until it dissolves and enhances the soup’s luxurious mouthfeel.
  8. Fold in sour cream, which will add a tangy depth and further enrich the soup’s creamy profile.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings, potentially adding extra salt, pepper, or paprika to elevate the flavor complexity.
  10. Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with crisp bacon bits, chopped green onions, and an additional sprinkle of cheese for visual appeal and textural contrast.

Notes

  • Customize potato texture by choosing between smooth or chunky soup style depending on personal preference.
  • Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like milk or half-and-half for a lower-calorie version.
  • Use vegetable broth and omit bacon for a vegetarian-friendly adaptation of this comforting soup.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding smoked paprika or roasted garlic for deeper, more nuanced taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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