Slow Cooker Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty potatoes, savory broth, and creamy goodness into a dish that warms the soul. This easy-to-make recipe allows you to throw all your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it, while you go about your day. At the end of the cooking time, you’re greeted with a rich, velvety soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a filling lunch option. With minimal prep work and maximum flavor, this slow cooker potato soup will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this slow cooker potato soup for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become tender while infusing the broth with a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Not only is it easy to prepare—just chop, dump, and set—it fits well into various diets, whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a hearty meal to satisfy a hungry family. The creamy texture and comforting taste make it a versatile dish perfect for any time of year.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and herbs will elevate the flavor of your soup, making it taste more vibrant.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies the night before and store them in the refrigerator to save time in the morning.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or a potato masher before serving.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Avoid overcooking the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours is ideal.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your soup with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process, not just at the end.
- Using the Wrong Potatoes: Avoid waxy potatoes like red or yellow. Stick with russets or Yukon golds for the best texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the potato soup ingredients in advance by chopping the potatoes, onions, and celery and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire soup in the slow cooker insert and store it in the fridge overnight. Just remember to take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Recipe Variations
- Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Top with crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions for a loaded version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Alternate Cooking Method: You can also make this soup on the stovetop; just simmer all ingredients in a pot for about 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
How to Serve
Serve your slow cooker potato soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can add an extra touch of creaminess. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your potato soup with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied beer such as a pilsner. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon is perfect. Complement your meal with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a satisfying dining experience.
How to Store
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: A standard 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Potato Masher: Optional, for mashing some potatoes to thicken the soup.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) to replace heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are needed.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy alternatives for cream and cheese to keep the soup creamy without dairy.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, add roasted butternut squash for a sweeter flavor. During spring, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or chives for a lighter taste. In winter, use hearty root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips along with the potatoes for added depth.
Cost Breakdown
This slow cooker potato soup is budget-friendly, with an estimated cost of around $1.50 per serving. For a more economical version, consider using frozen diced potatoes or canned potatoes. Buying in bulk for ingredients such as broth and spices can also help keep costs down.
Kitchen Hacks
- Quick Peeling: To peel garlic quickly, crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife—this will loosen the skins.
- Effortless Chopping: Use a food processor for chopping onions and celery to save time and effort.
- Easy Cleanup: Lining your slow cooker with a slow cooker liner can make cleanup a breeze.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use instant potatoes? While instant potatoes can be used in a pinch, they won’t provide the same texture and flavor as fresh potatoes.
- How can I thicken my soup? To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) during the last hour of cooking.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
How To Make slow cooker potato soup recipe
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty potatoes, savory broth, and creamy goodness into a dish that warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or dairy-free alternative
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes to achieve your desired thickness.
- Stir in the heavy cream or dairy-free alternative and mix well. Allow to heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 426Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 106mgSodium 528mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 23g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this slow cooker potato soup is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. The rich flavors and comforting textures create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen as you enjoy the enticing aroma wafting through your home. Happy cooking!
