If you re craving a comforting bowl of goodness that basically cooks itself while you relax, this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love how this soup turns out creamy, rich, and loaded with tender potatoes-comfort food at its finest. Whether it s a chilly weeknight or you just want something simple yet satisfying, this recipe is perfect for when you want to set it and forget it.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the slow cooker blended the flavors beautifully while keeping things hands-off. You ll find that by the time you re ready to eat, the house smells amazing and the soup is thick and hearty without any fuss. This Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe also doubles as a great base if you want to jazz it up with your favorite toppings or switch up the dairy for different textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: Just toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Creamy & Cozy Texture: The mix of heavy cream, sour cream, and Xanthan Gum creates a velvety consistency without needing flour or cream cheese.
- Perfect Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing.
- Customizable Comfort Food: Easily add your favorite toppings or tweak seasonings to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe plays a simple but crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From hearty russet potatoes to the richness of sour cream, these basics come together beautifully with easy-to-find pantry staples.
- Russet potatoes: These are perfect for soup because they break down slightly and thicken the broth while still holding some shape.
- Small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the soup.
- Chicken broth: The base of the soup-feel free to use low sodium to control saltiness easily.
- Butter: Brings richness and helps round out the flavors gracefully.
- Minced garlic: Just enough garlic to brighten the dish without overshadowing other tastes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance everything else.
- Heavy cream: For that luscious, creamy body that makes potato soup so comforting.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and a smooth finish, balancing the richness.
- Xanthan Gum: This thickening agent keeps the soup perfectly creamy without using flour or cornstarch-I discovered this trick after trying several methods!
Variations
I like to keep the base simple, but don t hesitate to personalize your Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs-it s one of those recipes that welcomes creativity.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use olive oil instead of butter for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
- Cheese lover s touch: Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack near the end for an extra melty, cheesy kick-my family can t get enough!
- Make it spicy: Stir in a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to give this soup a subtle warmth.
- Loaded potato style: Top with cooked bacon bits, green onions, and extra sour cream for a fully loaded experience.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Add the Basics
Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into roughly one-inch chunks. Then dice your onion and toss both into the crock pot. Add the chicken broth, butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper right on top-no need to pre-cook anything here. This simplicity is part of why I love this recipe; it s hassle-free yet so tasty.
Step 2: Let It Slow Cook
Set your crock pot on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you have. You re looking for the potatoes to be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. I usually start mine in the morning on low and come home to a warm, inviting soup waiting for me.
Step 3: Mix Your Creamy Thickener
About 30 to 60 minutes before the soup is done, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and Xanthan Gum in a small bowl until the mixture thickens slightly. This little trick helps transform the broth into a silky, luscious soup without needing a roux or extra flour. It s something I learned from trial and error and now always do.
Step 4: Combine and Final Simmer
Stir the cream mixture into your crock pot, then cook the soup on high for another 20 to 30 minutes to let it thicken up just right. Keep an eye on it during this last stage-you want it creamy but not too thick. If it gets too thick, a splash of broth or milk can loosen it up.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
- Use Russets for Best Texture: I found that russet potatoes create the perfect balance of creamy and chunky in the soup.
- Don t Skip the Xanthan Gum: It s a game-changer for thickening without flour and keeps the soup smooth and luscious.
- Adjust Seasonings at the End: After the cream mixture, taste and tweak salt and pepper to make sure the flavors pop.
- Avoid Overcooking the Cream: Add the cream mixture toward the end and cook gently to prevent it from curdling.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes for this soup are shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chopped green onions-they bring in texture and delicious layers of flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chives for a fresh, tangy touch. Giving your soup those finishing touches really makes it feel special and homemade.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this soup with crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls for dunking because they soak up every creamy drop. A simple side salad or roasted veggies also pair nicely if you want to add some greens to your meal without complicated prep.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins for a fall vibe. You can also set up a baked potato bar style spread with various toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and different cheeses so guests can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling the soup, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when it rests, so I often find myself looking forward to next-day leftovers. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, which makes it a fantastic meal prep option. I pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
I reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat to avoid scorching or curdling. Sometimes it s a little thick when reheated, so I whisk in a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato for this Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are my favorite for their fluffiness and ability to thicken the soup nicely, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier, buttery flavor. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.
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What if I don t have Xanthan Gum?
If you don t have xanthan gum, you can try cornstarch or flour to thicken the soup, but you ll want to mix those with a bit of cold water first and add toward the end of cooking. Xanthan gum is great because it thickens without clumps and works at low temperatures.
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How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make the soup dairy-free, swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, and replace the heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. The soup won t be exactly the same but will still be creamy and delicious.
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Can I cook this soup on the stove instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can! Just simmer the diced potatoes and onions in broth on the stove until tender (about 20-25 minutes). Then add the cream mixture and cook gently until thickened, stirring often to prevent sticking.
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Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully. This soup tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe really feels like a warm hug in a bowl-easy to prepare, fuss-free, and deliciously creamy. I recommend giving it a try the next time you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you ll enjoy coming home to a slow cooker full of creamy potato goodness that pleases both your taste buds and your schedule.
Print
Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Featuring tender russet potatoes simmered with onion, garlic, and chicken broth, it’s enriched with butter, heavy cream, and sour cream for a luscious texture. The addition of xanthan gum thickens the soup without flour, making it perfect for those seeking a smooth and hearty meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes, diced onion, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and butter into the slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Cream Thickener: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes before the cooking time ends, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and xanthan gum in a small mixing bowl until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth.
- Incorporate Cream Mixture: Stir the cream mixture thoroughly into the soup to blend the flavors and create a creamy texture.
- Final Thickening: Continue to cook the soup on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken to the desired consistency.
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit butter or use a plant-based alternative.
- Make sure to whisk the cream mixture well to avoid lumps when adding xanthan gum.
- Serve the soup with optional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
