There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, creamy potato soup, especially when the weather cools down.
This Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe is perfect for those days when you crave a hearty, homemade meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The best part? It’s simple to prepare and uses basic ingredients that come together beautifully in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it, forget it, and come back to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
This recipe makes six generous servings, each loaded with tender potatoes, savory herbs, and a touch of cream.
With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can easily start this soup in the morning, let it simmer away throughout the day, and enjoy a comforting dinner that tastes like you spent all day cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Slow Cooker Potato Soup, gather the following:
2 pounds russet potatoes – These starchy potatoes break down beautifully during cooking, giving the soup a creamy texture.
3 1/2 cups broth – Chicken or vegetable broth works well; just choose based on your dietary preferences.
1/4 cup flour – Helps thicken the soup, creating a rich consistency.
1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – These herbs add depth and fragrance.
1/2 teaspoon salt – More or less to taste.
1/2 cup heavy cream – Makes the soup luxuriously creamy.
4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled – Adds a bit of smoky flavor; you can use regular bacon if you prefer.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped – For garnish, adding a fresh crunch.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts over the warm soup for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Essential Equipment:
- Slow Cooker – The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process that allows all the flavors to meld together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the russet potatoes into small cubes. The smaller the cubes, the quicker they will become tender in the slow cooker. Once prepared, place the potatoes in the slow cooker along with the broth.
Thicken the Broth
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/4 cup of water until smooth. This mixture will act as a thickener for the soup, helping to create a creamy texture. Stir the flour mixture into the slow cooker with the broth and potatoes.
Add the Seasonings
Sprinkle in the dried dill, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 5-7 hours, or high heat for 2-4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. The low-and-slow cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb all the flavors of the broth and herbs.
Finish with Cream
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or herbs as desired. The cream gives the soup a rich, velvety finish.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled turkey bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. The bacon adds a bit of smokiness, while the green onions provide freshness, and the cheese melts into the soup for an added layer of flavor.
Recipe Notes:
Storing and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stove. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Slow Cooker Tip: If your slow cooker has an automatic warm setting, use it! Once the potatoes are tender, switching to the warm setting ensures that your soup stays hot without overcooking.
Make it Vegetarian: If you’re looking to make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the turkey bacon for a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour to thicken the soup.
Why This Slow Cooker Potato Soup is a Winner
Effortless Cooking
The slow cooker does all the hard work for you. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a homemade soup that tastes like it took hours of effort. This is the kind of recipe you can start before heading to work or running errands and come back to find dinner practically made for you.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup makes enough for six servings, making it ideal for meal prep. You can enjoy a bowl for dinner and save the rest for lunch throughout the week. It also freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a future meal.
Versatile Ingredients
The recipe uses basic, budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Potatoes, broth, and a few herbs come together to create something magical. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your preferences—try adding sour cream, crumbled feta, or even a few drops of hot sauce for extra zing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids love potatoes, and this creamy soup is no exception. If your little ones are hesitant to eat greens, you can blend the soup before serving, creating a smooth texture with all the flavors but none of the visible “bits.”
Tips for Making the Best Potato Soup
Use Russet Potatoes for Creaminess: While you can technically use any type of potato, russet potatoes break down the best in soups, creating that creamy, velvety texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can use red or Yukon gold potatoes, which hold their shape better.
Adjust the Consistency: If you find the soup too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
Experiment with Seasonings: The herb combination of dill, thyme, and rosemary adds a great depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment. Add some garlic powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: The toppings really make this soup special. Turkey bacon adds a lovely crisp texture, while the cheese provides a creamy richness. Green onions give a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone as a main course, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for an even more filling meal. For an extra touch, consider serving it in bread bowls, which add an element of fun and make the meal even more satisfying.
Pairing this soup with a simple Caesar salad or a loaf of garlic bread would be a perfect combination. It’s also a great starter if you’re hosting a larger dinner and want to impress your guests with a comforting yet sophisticated dish.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Potato Soup
1. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk for the heavy cream, but the soup won’t be as rich. To maintain creaminess, you might want to use half-and-half instead of regular milk.
2. How do I make the soup thicker?
If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop?
Yes! While this recipe is designed for a slow cooker, you can simmer it on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-2 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Enjoy the Comfort of Homemade Soup
Making Slow Cooker Potato Soup is a wonderful way to bring comfort food into your home with minimal effort. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your dietary needs, and it always delivers on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just yourself, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.