If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you are going to love this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe. It’s the ultimate cozy dish that brings together creamy potatoes, bright veggies, and rich cheddar cheese all simmered gently in a crock pot. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just want to unwind with something soothing, this recipe makes it effortless to enjoy homemade potato soup with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a hearty and flavorful soup. From the tender potatoes to the aromatic herbs, every component adds depth and satisfaction.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality olive oil to gently sauté your veggies for an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 cup onions, diced: Onions bring sweetness and a savory foundation to the soup.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup celery, diced: Celery gives a refreshing crunch and aromatic bite.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces: The star ingredient, providing creaminess and texture.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: A flavorful base to cook the potatoes and veggies slowly.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for smooth richness and sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky punch without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely: Infuses the soup with a lovely herbaceous note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice.
- 2 cups milk of choice: Makes the soup creamy and indulgent while keeping it light if you choose plant-based milk.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a sauté pan. While the oil warms up, chop your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them together until the onions turn translucent and soft, which usually takes around 10 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended because it brings a wonderful depth of flavor that makes your soup taste homemade and rich.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Once your veggies have softened, transfer them to the crock pot. Add the chopped potatoes, vegetable broth, garlic powder, finely chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. This simple combination is the heart of your soup, setting the stage for those beautiful slow-cooked flavors to develop.
Step 3: Set the Crock Pot to Cook
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. The slow simmer will tenderize the potatoes perfectly, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply irresistible and will make the wait totally worth it.
Step 4: Finish with Milk and Cheese
When your soup is tender and cooked through, stir in the milk and grated cheddar cheese. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have one, transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender works just as well. This final step turns the simple ingredients into a luscious, velvety potato soup that feels like a treat in every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing brings your soup to life and lets you customize it to your liking. Some of my favorite toppings include crispy bacon bits, fresh chopped chives, extra shredded cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream. These add texture, color, and extra layers of flavor that make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This potato soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can also add a bright contrast to the rich soup, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a rustic look that’s also practical. You can also turn leftovers into a loaded baked potato topping or even blend it into a creamy sauce for roasted chicken. The possibilities with this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover soup in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This soup freezes well for up to three months. Be sure to leave some headspace in your container for expansion, and avoid freezing the soup with cheese already added to preserve its texture. Add the cheese fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your potato soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Reintroduce cheese after warming up to keep it smooth and melty.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they become creamy when cooked, red potatoes or even fingerlings will work too. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.
Is this soup vegetarian or vegan friendly?
This Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe is vegetarian since it uses vegetable broth. For a vegan version, substitute the cheddar cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives and make sure your broth is vegan.
Can I add meat or other proteins to this soup?
Yes, adding crumbled bacon or cooked sausage can give the soup a smoky, hearty flavor. You can also top it with grilled chicken or keep it simple and vegetarian as is.
Do I have to sauté the vegetables first?
Sautéing is optional but highly recommended as it brings out richer flavors and softens the vegetables before slow cooking. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and add raw veggies directly to the crock pot.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No problem! You can use a regular blender in small batches, just be careful with the hot soup. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky for a heartier texture if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe is like filling your home with warmth and love. It’s effortless but deeply satisfying, perfect for any day you want a comforting meal without the hassle. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, sharing that cozy goodness with family and friends!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup made with sautéed vegetables, tender potatoes, and cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onions, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 1 lb or 5–6 medium-sized potatoes)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings & Dairy
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. While the oil heats, dice the onions, carrots, and celery. Add them to the pan and cook until the onions become translucent, approximately 10 minutes. This step is optional but adds great depth of flavor to the soup.
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables, potatoes, vegetable broth, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Soup: Set the crock pot to cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 hours to allow the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together fully.
- Finish and Blend: Once the soup has cooked, stir in the milk and grated cheddar cheese. Using an immersion blender or transferring to a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as bacon, chives, or extra cheese.
Notes
- Sautéing the vegetables before slow cooking enhances the soup’s flavor but can be skipped for a quicker prep.
- You can use any type of milk based on preference, such as whole, skim, or plant-based milk.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
