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Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

When the air gets crisp and your sweater drawer starts seeing more action, it’s time to break out the ultimate cozy meal: Crockpot Potato Soup. This classic comfort food is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, but with the magic of the slow cooker, it’s also ridiculously easy to make. There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, fragrant kitchen filled with the smell of simmering soup. With simple, everyday ingredients like potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, and a few creamy touches, this easy potato soup is a one-pot wonder. It’s thick, hearty, and totally satisfying — the kind of recipe that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl. Whether you're cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just want something easy and comforting, this Crockpot Potato Soup will become your new cold-weather staple.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Made with pantry staples and fridge essentials this potato soup is easy, affordable, and full of flavor.
Vegetables:
  • 6 cups russet or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
Broth:
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
Dairy:
  • 1½ cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream optional for extra richness
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp paprika optional, for warmth
Garnish (optional):
  • Fresh parsley or chives chopped
  • Additional shredded cheese for topping

Equipment

  • Here’s all you need to bring this simple, hearty soup to life:
  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Potato masher (optional, for texture)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. This slow cooker recipe is easy, hands-off, and guaranteed to become a weekly favorite. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even chunks for quicker cooking.
  2. Chop carrots, celery, onion, and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
  1. Place potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth.
  3. Add salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  4. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Blend or Mash
  1. For a creamier soup: Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup right in the crockpot.
  2. For a chunkier texture: Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes, leaving chunks.
Step 5: Add Milk, Butter, and Cheese
  1. Stir in milk, heavy cream (if using), and butter.
  2. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  3. Let everything heat through for 10–15 minutes on HIGH.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped chives, and a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
  3. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Let soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze soup in individual portions, leaving space at the top of the container.
Best to freeze before adding dairy for ideal texture.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of milk or broth if soup thickens too much.
Microwave individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
🥄 Variations
Make this classic soup your own with fun, easy modifications:
Make It Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese.
Add Protein: Stir in shredded chicken or ground turkey for a heartier meal.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
Extra Veggies: Mix in chopped spinach, peas, or corn toward the end of cooking.
Smoky Depth: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a spoonful of tomato paste.
Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different cheesy vibes.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use red potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, red or gold potatoes hold their shape better and give a creamy texture without mashing.
2. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely. Use unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk for a dairy-free option.
3. Do I need to blend the soup?
No. It’s great as-is, but blending or mashing gives it a thick, creamy texture.
4. What can I serve with potato soup?
Crusty bread, green salad, or roasted veggies are great side options.
5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the soup setting for 10 minutes, then quick release and add milk/cheese at the end.
6. How do I thicken potato soup naturally?
Mash some of the potatoes or blend part of the soup before adding dairy.
7. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, especially if frozen before adding the milk or cream.
8. Can I add meat to this soup?
Definitely! Try shredded chicken, ground beef, or even leftover turkey.
9. How do I make it low-carb?
Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version.
10. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes! The mild, creamy flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
🏁 Conclusion
There’s a reason this Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is a go-to comfort food: it’s warm, creamy, and full of hearty goodness. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, this soup is the ultimate lazy day recipe — no stress, no mess, just pure cozy satisfaction in every spoonful.
Whether you're curling up with a good book or feeding a crowd on a chilly evening, this soup delivers every time. Make it once and it’s sure to become a permanent part of your comfort food collection.