Hearty Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipes You'll Love

The chilly weather is upon us, and what better way to warm yourself up than with a steaming bowl of hearty potato soup? This article will take you through some delicious slow cooker potato soup recipes that are not only comforting but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you're looking for something creamy and cheesy, chunky with extra vegetables, or just the simplest of ingredients, you'll find a recipe here to love.

The Basics of Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Before diving into specific recipes, understanding the basics of a slow cooker potato soup is crucial. Here are the key components:

• Potatoes - Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are often recommended due to their creamy texture once cooked.
• Broth - Chicken, vegetable, or beef broth can be used based on preference.
• Aromatics - Onions, garlic, and perhaps some herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Seasonings - Salt, pepper, maybe some paprika or cayenne for a bit of a kick.
• Creaminess - Heavy cream, milk, or cheese for that rich, creamy texture.
• Extras - Bacon, cheese, green onions, sour cream for garnish or texture.

Classic Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe

Here's a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with indulgence:

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 6 slices of bacon, diced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Peel and dice potatoes and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Load the Slow Cooker: Add potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and water into your slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
4. Mash: Once the potatoes are cooked, mash some of them with a potato masher right in the cooker for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream or milk. If using cheese, this is a good time to melt it in. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onions if desired.

🥔 Note: Always ensure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid to avoid them burning at the bottom of the cooker.

Creamy and Cheesy Potato Soup

For those who adore cheese, this soup takes your love for it to the next level:

Ingredients:

• Same base ingredients as the classic recipe
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the preparation steps of the classic recipe until you add the cream.
2. Add Cheese: Lower the heat to low, add all the cheeses gradually, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water.
4. Serve: Top with extra shredded cheese and any other garnish as preferred.

🧀 Note: For an extra creamy texture, blend half of the cooked soup and return it to the pot before adding cheese.

Vegan Hearty Potato Soup

This recipe is for the plant-based food enthusiasts, offering a creamy, rich texture without any animal products:

Ingredients:

• 6-8 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours, then drained)
• Seasonings: thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper
• Garnish: Nutritional yeast, chopped chives, vegan sour cream

Instructions:

1. Prep: Soak cashews if you haven't already. Prepare vegetables.
2. Load: Place potatoes, onion, garlic, and seasonings in the slow cooker.
3. Cook: Pour in the vegetable broth and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Blend: Once cooked, blend about half of the soup with the soaked cashews and coconut milk until smooth. Return to the slow cooker.
5. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with nutritional yeast, chives, and vegan sour cream.

🌿 Note: Cashews not only add creaminess but also provide a bit of protein to make the soup more filling.

Hearty Potato Soup with Extra Veggies

To boost the nutrient content of your soup, here's how you can incorporate more vegetables:

Ingredients:

• Same base ingredients as the classic recipe
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 1 cup of chopped broccoli florets
• Optional: corn or peas

Instructions:

1. Prep: Prepare all the vegetables.
2. Cook: Add all ingredients (including vegetables) into the slow cooker, cook as per the classic recipe.
3. Add Veggies: If using broccoli, add it towards the end to keep its color vibrant. Cook until the new vegetables are tender.
4. Finish: Follow the rest of the classic recipe steps for creaminess and garnish.

🥕 Note: Adding more vegetables can slightly alter the cooking time, so check for doneness periodically.

How do I thicken my potato soup?

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To thicken potato soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the cooker or use a roux or cornstarch slurry. Add either towards the end of cooking and let it simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.

Can I make potato soup without dairy?

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Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream for creaminess. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor.

How long can I store leftover potato soup?

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Leftover potato soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s cooled properly before storing.