A Brief History of Potato Soup
Potato soup has humble origins in European kitchens, where potatoes were a cheap, filling ingredient used to stretch meals for families. In Ireland and Germany especially, potato soups became staples, often simmered with leeks, onions, or cream. With the rise of slow cookers in the mid-20th century, cooks found a way to make this classic even easier: let the crockpot do all the work. Today, crockpot potato soup remains a beloved comfort dish, combining tradition with convenience.
Crockpot Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This crockpot potato soup is creamy, hearty, and comforting—the ultimate cozy meal for chilly fall or winter evenings. Made with tender potatoes, savory broth, and topped with melty cheese and green onions, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. What makes it extra special is the slow cooker: just set it and forget it, and come home to a warm, ready-to-serve dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or when you just need a bowl of comfort food.
Ingredients
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6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
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Add potatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until potatoes are tender.
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Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially puree, leaving some chunks for texture.
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Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
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Serve hot, topped with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute milk for cream.
Add celery or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Freeze without dairy, then add cream and cheese when reheating.
FAQs About Crockpot Potato Soup
1. Can I use frozen potatoes in crockpot potato soup?
Yes! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well and save time. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen potatoes may cook faster.
2. How do I thicken potato soup in the crockpot?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon topping. You can also add beans or lentils for extra protein.
