Creamy Dreamy Crockpot Potato Soup Effortless Comfort Food
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Seriously, who doesn't love a good easy potato soup recipe ? I'm about to share my absolute favourite creamy potato soup recipe with you.
It involves minimal effort but delivers maximum flavour. Plus, you get to use your slow cooker .
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make a crockpot potato soup that tastes like it came straight from Grandma's kitchen? This recipe is it.
It's so rich and comforting. It tastes like a hug in a bowl.
Brief Overview
This classic comfort food recipe is inspired by hearty American cuisine. It's perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and filling.
It is easy to make, takes about 20 minutes of prep time and slow cooks for 6- 8 hours on low.
It will yield about 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this hearty soup recipe is that it's packed with nutrients and is super satisfying.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. What makes this particular crockpot potato soup recipe special is the combination of creamy textures and smoky bacon.
Alright, let's get this show on the road and check what ingredients we need for this slow cooker potato soup .
I'm already salivating thinking about it. I will provide the full ingredients in the next section!
Oh, I still have a story to share. The first time I made this, I accidentally added double the thyme! The family thought it was lovely, it just tasted like I did that on purpose!.
Honestly, sometimes mistakes make the best dishes. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own potato soup toppings . You could add chilli to give it a kick.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy Soup
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You can't make amazing crockpot potato soup without the right bits and bobs, can you? Honestly, this part is pretty straightforward.
It’s more about the quality of your spuds than fancy gadgets. We want this to be the easy potato soup recipe ever!
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled (US: about 6 slices, Metric: 170g ). Go for proper, thick cut stuff if you can. The cheaper stuff just shrinks to nothing.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped (US: 1 large, Metric: about 200g ). Yellow or white onions are great. I’ve even used red in a pinch. It adds a bit of sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (US: 2 cloves, Metric: about 6g ). Fresh is always best, innit?
- Russet Potatoes: 5 lbs , peeled and cubed (US: 5 lbs , Metric: 2.2kg ). Russets are the king for this. They get nice and soft. Other potatoes don't work so well.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low sodium preferred) (US: 4 cups , Metric: 950ml ). Low sodium's a good shout. You can always add more salt, but you can't take it away.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (US: 1 tsp , Metric: 2g ). Adds a lovely herby touch.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste) (US: 1/2 tsp , Metric: 3g ).
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) (US: 1/4 tsp , Metric: 1g ).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (US: 1 cup , Metric: 240ml ). This is where the creamy potato soup magic happens.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces , softened (US: 4 oz , Metric: 113g ). Trust me on this one!
Seasoning Like a Pro
Thyme, salt, and pepper are the basic squad. But don't be shy! A pinch of cayenne adds a sneaky kick.
Smoked paprika can deepen the flavour too. You could try adding in some Chili flakes as well, really take the comfort food recipes up a notch.
Honestly, the better the seasoning, the better the dish. You know?
If you haven't got any thyme, oregano or marjoram will do the trick.
Equipment - Keep it Simple
- Slow Cooker: 6-quart minimum. This is the star of the show. Any slow cooker recipes are a good time to have.
- Frying Pan: For cooking bacon.
- Knife & Chopping Board: You can't escape a bit of chopping, even with easy potato soup recipe .
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get your measure on.
- Potato Masher: Optional. If you like a chunky soup, go for it!
This cheddar potato soup is a doddle, really. It's one of those hearty soup recipes that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
It's a perfect dinner ideas that the whole family can get involved in. And with these simple ingredients and tools, you're well on your way!
Alright, let's get this show on the road! We're making Crockpot Potato Soup comfort food at its finest. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a warm, creamy soup, especially on a chilly evening.
This easy potato soup recipe is the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it comfort food recipes .
Potato Prep Like a Pro!
Before we dive in, let’s talk prep. This is the essential mise en place , darling. First, get that bacon sizzling! Fry up those 6 slices until they're crispy as anything, then crumble them and set aside.
Next, chop 1 large onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Finally, peel and cube those 5 lbs of potatoes.
Done? Good on ya!
Saving Time (and Sanity!)
Honestly, I hate peeling potatoes. My tip? Do it the night before! Store them in water to prevent browning. It's a game changer. You know?
step-by-step to Soup Perfection
Ready to cook? Here’s how to turn those humble spuds into a creamy masterpiece:
- Bacon Bliss: Fry the 6 slices bacon until crispy. Crumble and keep some of the bacon fat aside.
- Aromatic Sizzle (Optional): Sauté 1 large chopped onion in reserved bacon grease about 5 minutes. Add 2 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Crockpot Combo: Toss cubed 5 lbs potatoes, cooked onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Slow Cook Magic: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours , until the potatoes are dead tender.
- Mash It Up (Optional): Use a potato masher for chunkiness or an immersion blender for creaminess.
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 4 ounces softened cream cheese. Make sure it's all blended in properly.
- Bacon Time: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon. Save some for topping, of course!
- Taste and Tweak: Season to taste. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar, green onions, and extra bacon.
Pro Tips for a Knockout Soup
Want to take your slow cooker potato soup to the next level? Here's the secret, always remember that the creamy potato soup should be the point to focus.
Sautéing the onions and garlic in bacon grease adds a depth of flavour you just can’t get any other way.
Trust me on this one!
Also, avoid adding the dairy too early. It can sometimes curdle if you do. No one wants curdled soup! Dinner ideas are always needed, and this recipe is great to serve in any situation.
And my top tip? Soften that cream cheese! Otherwise, you'll end up with lumpy bits, and no one wants that! Give this hearty soup recipe a try, you won't regret it!
Alright, let’s dive into those all-important recipe notes for this creamy potato soup , shall we? Honestly, these little tips and tricks can make all the difference.
They are the key to transform it from good to oh my gosh, this is amazing!
Recipe Notes
Serving like a Pro: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Okay, so you've got your hearty soup recipe ready. But how do you make it look as good as it tastes? First, ladle the crockpot potato soup into bowls.
Swirl a dollop of sour cream on top. Then sprinkle with cheddar. Finally, garnish with green onions.
For a bit of flair, drizzle some olive oil. Fancy, right? A chunk of crusty bread is always a winner.
I love serving mine with a side salad. Adds a bit of freshness.
Storage Savvy: Refrigeration and Freezing Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This slow cooker potato soup keeps well. Just let it cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container.
It'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Freezing is also an option. The texture might change a bit, though. But it's still yummy! Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the hob or microwave. Be careful not to boil it. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
Easy Potato Soup Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Go for it! For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese. And swap heavy cream for milk.
Or, you can make a dairy-free version. Try coconut milk. It adds a subtle sweetness.
Seasonal swaps? Use sweet potatoes in the autumn. Add roasted garlic in the winter. It’s totally up to you, so don't be shy to experiment.
Nutrition 101: A Simplified Breakdown
Let's keep it simple. This potato soup with bacon is packed with carbs. That gives you energy. It also has some protein from the bacon.
Watch out for the sodium. It's easy to go overboard. Use low-sodium broth. And be mindful of the salt. This comfort food recipe is meant to be enjoyed.
So don’t feel too guilty!
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks. Ready to make the best crockpot potato soup ever! Remember, cooking should be fun.
Don't stress too much. Even if you mess up a bit, it will probably still taste amazing, let me know how it turned out!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Crockpot Potato Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crockpot Potato Soup is actually fantastic the next day. The flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just let it cool completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to tuck in.
It's a right proper time saver, innit?
My Crockpot Potato Soup is too thick! What can I do?
No worries, happens to the best of us! Just add a bit more chicken broth (or even milk or cream, if you're feeling extra indulgent) a little at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
If you want to keep that potato-y richness, you could even blend a cooked potato with some broth and stir that back in. Sorted!
Can I freeze Crockpot Potato Soup?
Freezing potato soup can be a bit tricky because the texture of the potatoes and dairy can sometimes change. For best results, cool the soup completely before freezing in freezer safe containers or bags. When thawing, do it slowly in the refrigerator.
Be aware that the texture might be slightly different upon reheating; a good stir can usually bring it back to life. You could also add some fresh cream or milk when reheating.
I don't have bacon. What else can I use in my Crockpot Potato Soup?
No bacon? Crikey! Don't let that stop you. You could use diced ham, pancetta, or even just skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a similar smoky flavour. Also, you can experiment with other toppings like a swirl of pesto. Get creative, you cheeky devil!
Do I have to sauté the onions and garlic first, or can I just throw everything in the crockpot?
You can just throw everything in the crockpot, but honestly, taking the extra five minutes to sauté the onions and garlic really elevates the flavour of the soup. Browning them releases their natural sweetness and creates a much more complex and savoury base.
It's like the difference between a cuppa made with a teabag and one brewed with loose leaf tea both do the job, but one is just better.
How can I make this Crockpot Potato Soup healthier?
Looking for a lighter take? No problem! Swap out the heavy cream for milk or half and-half. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content. Load up on veggies by adding some chopped celery or carrots to the crockpot. For a lower fat option, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
There you have it, a healthier, but just as tasty, soup!
Creamy Dreamy Crockpot Potato Soup Effortless Co
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 32.5g |
| Fiber | 4g |