Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup
There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of potato soup on a chilly day, and this Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup recipe makes it effortless to enjoy that comfort food classic. Loaded with tender potatoes, melty cheese, and savory seasonings, this slow cooker soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
What sets this recipe apart is the ease of preparation. By letting the slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy all the flavors of a decadent potato soup without the hassle of constant stovetop monitoring. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is a true crowd-pleaser for good reason. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly while you focus on other tasks.
One of the best things about this recipe is the textural contrast. The tender, creamy potatoes are complemented by the crispy bacon and crunchy chives, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Plus, the melted cheese adds a luxurious, indulgent element that takes this soup to the next level.
Best of all, this Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is incredibly versatile. It can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences, and it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that can be prepared in advance and reheated when you’re ready to serve.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup ❓
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 2 tbsp chives, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
The beauty of this Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and bacon creates the classic comfort food flavor profile that has made slow cooker recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
• Step 3: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
• Step 4: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and fully incorporated.
• Step 5: Top the soup with the crumbled bacon and chopped chives before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8 hours
Compared to traditional stovetop potato soup, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup saves you significant time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 874mg
These cheesy potato soups provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 30% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes to reduce the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked, diced chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add in diced carrots, celery, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal
• Complement the soup with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli
• For a hearty dinner, serve alongside grilled or roasted chicken or pork chops
• Create a cozy soup and sandwich platter with the potato soup, sliced deli meats, and artisanal breads
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not mashing the potatoes enough: Partially mashing the potatoes helps to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. Don’t forget this important step.
• Adding the cheese too early: Adding the cheese too soon can cause it to become stringy or clump together. Stir it in towards the end of the cooking process for best results.
• Skimping on seasoning: Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the full flavor of the soup. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
• Forgetting the garnishes: The crispy bacon and fresh chives add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor. Don’t skip these finishing touches.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese, allow to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cheese.
• Freezing baked: Allow the fully cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the soup gently over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I substitute other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use a variety of potatoes in this recipe. Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes will all work well. Keep in mind that different potato types may have slightly different cooking times, so you may need to adjust the slow cooker setting accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
For a dairy-free adaptation, you can replace the milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. These substitutions will reduce the overall fat and calorie content while still providing the creamy, cheesy flavor profile.
What should I do if the soup is too thin?
If the soup is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing a bit of additional flour or cornstarch with some cold milk or broth, then stirring it into the soup. Alternatively, you can partially mash more of the potatoes to help thicken the consistency.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is highly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Consider adding diced ham, cooked crumbled sausage, or even shredded chicken for extra protein. You can also stir in diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutrient content.
Conclusion
These Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these slow cooker soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So, grab your crock pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this delicious Cheesy Potato Soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
