Hearty Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

Slow-Cooked Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe: Dreamy Winter Comfort

Creamy, rich potato soup simmers with delightful cheese goodness in this comforting crock pot cheesy potato soup recipe that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into exceptional meals.

Cold evenings call for warm, satisfying dishes that hug your soul from the inside.

Potatoes blend seamlessly with melted cheese, creating a velvety texture that beckons hungry diners.

Every spoonful promises depth and warmth, packed with hearty ingredients that make comfort food truly memorable.

Chunks of tender potatoes swim in a luxurious broth, promising pure culinary bliss.

This soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect solution for busy home cooks.

Serve it with crusty bread and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-8 hours

Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

Storage Plan For Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
  • Reheating Pro Tips: Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Microwave works well in short intervals, stirring between each.
  • Portioning Wisdom: Divide soup into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date to track freshness and enjoy convenient meal prep.

Everything You Need For Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

For Base and Flavor:
  • Potatoes: Hearty foundation that provides creamy texture and satisfying substance, choose starchy varieties like Russet for best results.
  • Onion: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness, select firm white or yellow onions for robust flavor.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense savory notes and enhances overall taste profile, pick fresh cloves for maximum punch.
  • Broth: Creates liquid base and intensifies soup's richness, use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for balanced seasoning.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that elevates other ingredients, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.
  • Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and complexity, freshly ground black pepper offers superior flavor.
  • Paprika: Introduces mild smoky undertone and beautiful color, choose sweet or smoked varieties.
For Creamy Enrichment:
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms soup into luxurious texture, select high-fat content for maximum silkiness.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides extraordinary smoothness and tangy depth, room temperature cheese blends more effortlessly.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces delightful tanginess and extra creaminess, full-fat version recommended.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Delivers classic cheesy flavor and beautiful melt, sharp varieties offer more pronounced taste.
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, light crunch and vibrant color, use both white and green parts.
  • Bacon (Optional): Introduces crispy, smoky element for extra indulgence, thick-cut bacon provides best texture.

Tools To Make Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Crock Pot: Essential slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking of the soup.
  • Potato Masher: Perfect for breaking down potatoes to create a creamy texture.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for dicing potatoes and chopping onions.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable chopping.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing soup ingredients.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.

Steps To Cook Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Toss Ingredients Into Slow Cooker

Dump potatoes, onions, and garlic into your trusty crock pot. Pour in broth and sprinkle some salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavor boost. These ingredients will become your cozy comfort soup.

  • Let Magic Happen

Cover and let the slow cooker work its wonder. On low heat, give it 6-8 hours or 3-4 hours on high. Your kitchen will smell amazing while the potatoes become super tender and soft.

  • Create Creamy Texture

Grab a potato masher and gently crush some potatoes. This trick makes your soup thick and luxurious. Want chunky texture? Just mash a little bit.

  • Melt In Cheesy Goodness

Time to make this soup irresistible! Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Watch everything melt into a smooth, velvety mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Final Flavor Flourish

Swirl in sour cream for extra richness. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The soup should feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

  • Serve With Style

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with green onions, extra cheese, or crispy bacon. Enjoy your ultimate comfort meal that’ll warm you from the inside out!

Easy Upgrades For Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup

  • Soup-Saving Secrets: Perfectly Creamy Potato Soup Every Time
  • Potato Power: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for maximum creaminess and better texture.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Shred cheese fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth blending.
  • Thickness Control: Adjust soup consistency by mashing more potatoes for thicker soup or adding extra broth for a lighter version.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Create gluten-free versions by using cornstarch instead of flour, or make it vegetarian by substituting bacon with smoked paprika for depth.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture.

How To Serve Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Creamy

  • Cozy Soup Companions: Choose crusty bread or garlic toast to dip into the creamy, cheesy soup for extra texture and flavor absorption.
  • Hearty Protein Boost: Top the soup with crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham to transform it into a more substantial meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Veggie Crunch Topping: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, green onions, or crispy fried leeks on top to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich and creamy potato soup.
  • Warming Winter Pairing: Serve alongside a simple green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and create a complete, comforting dinner experience.
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Hearty Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe

Hearty Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crock pot cheesy potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl for chilly evenings. Simple ingredients and minimal preparation create a creamy, satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 russet potatoes, peeled & diced
  • 4 cups (950 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ cup green onions, chopped
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Combine diced potatoes, minced onion, crushed garlic, and seasonings in the crock pot, creating a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
  2. Liquid Integration: Pour broth over the ingredients, ensuring complete submersion and even distribution, then set the slow cooker to low temperature for 6-8 hours of gentle simmering.
  3. Texture Development: Once potatoes reach fork-tender consistency, use a potato masher to partially crush them, transforming the soup into a rustic, creamy blend.
  4. Dairy Infusion: Gradually introduce heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture that develops rich, complex flavors.
  5. Flavor Enhancement: Carefully taste and adjust seasonings, potentially adding extra salt, pepper, or paprika to elevate the soup’s depth and nuance.
  6. Presentation: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, topping with crisp bacon bits, freshly chopped green onions, and an additional cheese sprinkle to provide visual excitement and textural contrast.

Notes

  • Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for maximum creaminess and easier breakdown during slow cooking.
  • Prevent Dairy Curdling: Add heavy cream and cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.
  • Customize Consistency: Use a potato masher strategically to control soup thickness – more mashing creates thicker soup, less mashing keeps it chunky.
  • Low and Slow is Key: Maintain low temperature setting to ensure tender potatoes and develop deep, rich flavor without burning ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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