There are some meals that just hug you from the inside out. This Slow Cooker Potato Soup is one of those recipes. It’s wonderfully creamy and packed with tender potatoes. My family absolutely adores this hearty and comforting dish, especially on a chilly evening.
I love how simple it is to get this dinner on the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can even prep some ingredients ahead of time. This easy potato soup has become a staple in my kitchen.
Why I Love This Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This slow cooker potato soup is a weeknight savior!
- Effortless Prep: Just toss everything in the pot.
- Amazing Flavor: Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying.
- Total Comfort: It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters ask for seconds.
It’s incredibly easy to make. This simple potato soup always impresses everyone.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup Ingredients
The magic of this slow cooker potato soup lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. They come together to create a dish that’s both decadent and deeply comforting. Each component plays a vital role in building its luscious texture and rich flavor profile. You will find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the savory base of our soup.
- Condensed Soups: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom add incredible creaminess and depth.
- Potatoes: The star of the show, providing heartiness and texture. Russets or Yukon Golds work wonderfully.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Milk: Thins the soup slightly and contributes to its creamy mouthfeel.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret weapon for ultimate creaminess. It melts in beautifully.
- Cheddar Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes this soup divine.
Substitutions and Tips
Want to switch things up? Feel free to use vegetable broth if you prefer. You can also swap the condensed soups for homemade versions. Want to amp up the flavor? Consider adding celery or carrots along with the potatoes. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese. Bacon bits make a fantastic topping, adding a salty crunch. Remember, all the precise ingredient amounts are in the recipe card!
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Making this creamy potato soup is so wonderfully simple. It really lets your slow cooker do most of the work.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. Place the chicken broth into your slow cooker. Add both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup. Then, add the condensed cream of mushroom soup. Now, toss in your peeled and diced potatoes. Add the chopped onion too. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on the ‘low’ setting. You’ll want to let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on the ‘high’ setting. This will take about 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be very tender when it’s done. This simple potato soup is starting to smell amazing!
Step 3: Add Creaminess
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the milk. Add the softened cream cheese cubes. Keep cooking. Your soup will become wonderfully creamy as the cream cheese melts. This is where the magic happens for our easy potato soup.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Once the cream cheese is fully melted, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted. This makes the soup even richer. It’s a key step for a truly delicious slow cooker potato soup.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if you like. This easy potato soup is ready to enjoy. It’s perfect comfort food!
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Slow Cooker Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and creamy slow cooker potato soup recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 5 pounds potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Combine chicken broth cream of chicken soup cream of mushroom soup potatoes onion salt and pepper in a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving stir in milk and cream cheese. Continue to cook until cream cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives if desired.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before adding the milk and cream cheese.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like celery or carrots along with the potatoes.
- Bacon bits can be a delicious garnish for this soup.
Storing leftover slow cooker potato soup is a breeze. Let the soup cool. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions. Freezing works best before adding the final cream cheese and cheddar cheese if possible. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips for Success
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for best results.
- Mash some potatoes before adding final ingredients.
- Chop your onion finely for even flavor distribution.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Soften cream cheese slightly beforehand.
- Don’t skip the final cheese addition!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large slow cooker or crock pot.
- A cutting board and sharp knife for chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A ladle for serving.
- A sturdy spoon for stirring.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- A simple green salad is a lovely contrast.
- Pair with a crisp white wine or cider.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this slow cooker potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance through step 2. Then, just before serving, reheat it and add the milk, cream cheese, and Cheddar cheese. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
What can I use if I don’t have condensed soups?
If you don’t have condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup, you can make a roux with butter and flour. Add milk and broth to create a creamy base. You might need to adjust seasonings to achieve a similar depth of flavor for your easy potato soup.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you certainly can! While Russets or Yukon Golds are great for this creamy potato soup, red potatoes also work well. They hold their shape a bit better. Just be sure they are tender before proceeding with the final steps.
