This baked potato soup made in a crock pot is easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors. With just a few ingredients and your slow cooker, you can have a creamy, delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day. No fuss, just simple comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe
You might wonder why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. The answer lies in its unbeatable combination of convenience, flavor, and versatility.
Set It and Forget It: Your crock pot lets you prepare ingredients in minutes, then slowly cooks them to perfection without any need for constant stirring or checking.
Flavor That Deepens Over Time: Slow cooking allows the potatoes and aromatics to meld, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to match on the stovetop.
Comfort Food Made Easy: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this soup hits the spot when you want something soothing but satisfying.
Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof and forgiving.
Plus, potatoes are a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When paired with wholesome ingredients, your bowl becomes both nourishing and indulgent.
Ingredients for Your Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot
HRusset Potatoes – The base of this baked potato soup crock pot recipe. They give a creamy texture when cooked and mashed. Yukon Gold or other starchy potatoes can work but russet is preferred for the best results.
Onion – Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup. Use yellow or white onions, finely chopped to blend well during slow cooking.
Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor essential for this baked potato soup crock pot. Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best taste.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth – The cooking liquid that infuses the soup with savory richness. Using homemade broth or a good-quality store-bought option enhances the flavor.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the soup giving it creamy texture and cheesy flavor that’s classic in baked potato soup crock pot recipes.
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess that balances the savory broth and cheese. It also thickens the soup slightly for that perfect mouthfeel.
Milk or Cream – Lightens the soup and adds smooth richness. Whole milk or half-and-half works best, but you can adjust based on your preference.
How to Make Baked Potato Soup in a Crock Pot
Preparing this soup is straightforward. Follow these steps, and your crock pot will work its magic while you relax.
Prepare the Base: Peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
Combine Ingredients: Place the potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be soft and tender when done.
Mash Slightly: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes right in the pot. This step adds creaminess while leaving some chunks for texture.
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped green onions or chives for a fresh pop of flavor.
You’re now ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort, crafted with minimal effort and maximum love.
Expert Tips
To make sure your soup turns out perfect every time, keep these professional insights in mind:
Choose the Right Potato: Russets are your best bet for creamy, thick soup because of their high starch content. Waxy potatoes won’t break down as well.
Avoid Over-Mashing: You want a balance of smoothness and chunks. Over-mashing can make the soup too dense.
Add Cheese Gradually: Mixing cheese in slowly while the soup is warm prevents it from clumping or becoming stringy.
Dairy Choices Matter: Full-fat sour cream and milk create the richest texture, but low-fat or dairy-free substitutes can work if you prefer.
Watch Salt Levels: Broths can vary in saltiness, so season carefully to avoid oversalting.
Reheating: When warming leftovers, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the texture creamy without separating.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with these delicious twists based on your taste and dietary needs:
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets to keep it keto-friendly while still creamy.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
Each variation brings a unique flavor profile while keeping the core comfort intact.
How to Serve
Serving your soup with thoughtful accompaniments can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Warm Bread: Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or buttery rolls are perfect for dipping.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe scales easily for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
Make serving interactive — let everyone customize their bowl for a fun and satisfying meal.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot
How long does baked potato soup take to cook in a crock pot?
Cooking time depends on your crock pot settings. Usually, it’s 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. You want the potatoes tender enough to mash easily.
Can I freeze baked potato soup made in a crock pot?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Use airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Is the baked potato soup crock pot recipe healthy?
It can be. Potatoes provide fiber and nutrients, while the broth and vegetables add vitamins. Using low-fat dairy options and controlling salt keeps it lighter.
Can I make a baked potato soup crock pot recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute sour cream and milk with coconut cream, almond milk, or other dairy-free alternatives. You might want to adjust the seasoning to taste.
How do I make baked potato soup thicker in a crock pot?
The natural starch from russet potatoes usually thickens the soup well. To boost thickness, mash some potatoes or add a mixture of cornstarch and water toward the end of cooking.
Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup milk or cream
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled (optional)
Garnish
- chopped green onions or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Place the potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes in the pot, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk or cream. Add bacon if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm.