I can still remember the cozy aroma of Grandma’s Slow Cooker Potato Soup filling up the kitchen on a chilly autumn afternoon. As soon as I walked through the door, I’d be greeted by the irresistible scent of tender potatoes, savory broth, and a hint of garlic. Grandma would always have a big, steaming bowl waiting for me, topped with crispy bacon crumbles and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. It was the ultimate comfort food, and nothing could cheer me up quite like her Slow Cooker Potato Soup.
Why This Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Grandma’s Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe is truly special because of the care and attention she put into every step. She knew the secret to achieving that perfectly creamy, velvety texture was all in the slow cooking process. By letting the potatoes, onions, and broth meld together over several hours, the flavors had time to develop and the starches from the potatoes could work their magic, thickening the soup into a comforting, satisfying meal. Plus, the slow cooker made the whole process so hands-off and easy – just dump in the ingredients, set it, and forget it!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Grandma’s Slow Cooker Potato Soup, you’ll need:
- Russet potatoes – These starchy spuds are the backbone of the soup, breaking down to create that signature thick and creamy texture.
- Onion – Sautéing the onion first brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is a must for adding savory, aromatic notes.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – The broth serves as the base, infusing the potatoes with moisture and flavor.
- Heavy cream – A touch of cream makes the soup extra rich and velvety.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon bits add a salty, smoky crunch on top.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the soup for a cheesy twist.
- Salt and pepper – These simple seasonings enhance all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Potato Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This Slow Cooker Potato Soup comes together with just a few easy steps. It’s the perfect hands-off meal to let simmer away in the slow cooker while you go about your day. In total, you’re looking at about 4 hours of cooking time, with just 15-20 minutes of active prep. Be sure to have a 6-quart or larger slow cooker on hand, as this recipe makes a big batch.
1- Start by sautéing the diced onion in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until aromatic.
2- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add in the peeled and cubed russet potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3- Cover the slow cooker and cook the potato soup on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
4- Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker. This will help thicken the soup to your desired consistency.
5- Ladle the Slow Cooker Potato Soup into bowls and top each serving with crispy bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese.
6- Serve the soup hot, with crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
One of the keys to getting Slow Cooker Potato Soup just right is to avoid overcooking the potatoes. You want them to be tender but not completely falling apart. If the soup ends up too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a bit of extra broth or milk.
I also recommend sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step brings out their natural sweetness and adds more depth of flavor to the overall soup. And don’t be afraid to get creative with tasty toppings like chives, sour cream, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food and pairs beautifully with all sorts of delicious sides. For a classic pairing, serve it with freshly baked bread, biscuits, or crusty rolls for dipping. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli also make great accompaniments. And don’t forget the toppings – crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, chives, and a dollop of sour cream all take this soup to the next level.
As for beverages, a frosty mug of beer or a cozy mug of hot apple cider are both excellent choices to enjoy with a bowl of Slow Cooker Potato Soup. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a chilly winter night, or even serving as the main course at a potluck or game day gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Slow Cooker Potato Soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also make this soup ahead of time and freeze it for longer-term storage. Let it cool, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Slow Cooker Potato Soup is also a great candidate for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Creative Slow Cooker Potato Soup Variations
While Grandma’s classic version is absolutely delicious as is, you can easily customize Slow Cooker Potato Soup to suit your tastes. Try stirring in diced ham or crumbled sausage for a heartier, more substantial soup. You could also add in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an aromatic twist. For a bit of spice, stir in some diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
In the fall and winter, I love making a roasted garlic and butternut squash version. The sweet squash pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes. And in the spring or summer, you could swap out the potatoes for a mix of seasonal veggies like corn, peas, or zucchini.
Making Slow Cooker Potato Soup Diet-Friendly
To make Slow Cooker Potato Soup suitable for special diets, there are a few easy swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free broth. To make it dairy-free or vegan, substitute unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk for the heavy cream, and skip the cheese topping.
For a lower-carb take, you can use a combination of cauliflower and potatoes, or try substituting half the potatoes with radishes or turnips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. And if you want to make it even more nourishing, stir in some baby spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato besides Russet?
A: While Russet potatoes are the classic choice for potato soup, you can certainly use other varieties as well. Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes will also work nicely, though they may not get quite as soft and creamy. Avoid waxy potatoes like new potatoes, which won’t break down as much.
Q: How long does Slow Cooker Potato Soup take to cook?
A: On the low setting, this Slow Cooker Potato Soup needs to simmer for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead. Just be sure to check the potatoes for tenderness before serving.
Q: Can I store leftover Slow Cooker Potato Soup?
A: Absolutely! Leftover Slow Cooker Potato Soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage, up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Q: How many servings does this Slow Cooker Potato Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe makes a large batch, yielding about 8-10 servings. The exact number will depend on how hungry your family is and how much you ladle into each bowl. If you have a smaller household, you can easily scale the recipe down.
Q: What if my Slow Cooker Potato Soup turns out too thick?
A: If your Slow Cooker Potato Soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a bit more broth or milk. Start with 1/4 cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
- Total Time: 315
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy and delicious Slow Cooker Potato Soup. Featuring a rich and creamy broth, tender potatoes, and flavorful toppings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic to a slow cooker.
2. – Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir in the butter, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. – Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender.
4. – Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. – Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, use an additional 1/2 cup of milk.
– Experiment with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 300
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Grandma’s Slow Cooker Potato Soup is truly a tried-and-true family favorite, and I know it’ll become a staple in your home too. The combination of tender potatoes, savory broth, and creamy richness is simply unbeatable. Plus, the hands-off slow cooker method makes it such an easy dish to prepare.
I hope this recipe brings you the same comfort and joy that it’s brought my family over the years. Be sure to let me know how your Slow Cooker Potato Soup turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more delicious slow cooker recipes, be sure to check out my other creations. Enjoy!
