Crockpot Potato Soup (Cheesy Delicious!)

Crockpot Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that is perfect for cold days, rainy evenings, or an easy family dinner. This slow cooker potato soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, sweet corn, carrots, onions, and cheddar cheese in a rich and creamy broth. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this hearty soup an easy recipe to prepare when you want a warm and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into ¾- to 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup diced ham, such as ham steak or leftover ham
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups milk, divided
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish

Optional Toppings

• Chopped parsley
• Sliced green onions
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Crackers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and dice the potatoes, ham, and carrots into small bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, preparing the ingredients into similar-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot

Place the diced potatoes, ham, carrots, corn, onion, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper into a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Adjust the Texture

For a chunky potato soup, leave the potatoes as they are. If you prefer a smoother and thicker texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot.

5. Make the Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with ¼ cup of the milk. Stir until the cornstarch has completely dissolved and there are no lumps.

6. Add the Milk

Pour the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot and stir well. Add the remaining 1¼ cups of milk and mix until everything is combined.

7. Add the Cheddar Cheese

Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring after each addition. Adding the cheese slowly helps it melt evenly throughout the soup.

8. Thicken the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on high for another 30 minutes. This gives the soup time to thicken and allows the cheese to fully blend into the creamy base.

9. Add the Toppings

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish individual bowls with fresh parsley, green onions, extra cheddar cheese, or sour cream.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• Serve the crockpot potato soup hot in bowls with your favorite toppings.
• Garnish with cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a spoonful of sour cream.
• Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, garlic bread, crackers, or cheddar bread for dipping.
• Pair the soup with a simple green salad to balance its rich and creamy texture.
• For a heartier meal, serve it alongside ham and cheese sliders, turkey sandwiches, or roast beef sandwiches.
• If the soup becomes too thick before serving, stir in a little warm milk or chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Storage Tips

• Allow leftover soup to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• The soup will naturally thicken as it chills. Add a little milk, broth, or water when reheating if needed.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, stirring between intervals for even heating.
• Avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil when reheating because the dairy and cheese can separate.
• Freezing is not recommended because the milk and cheese may separate and develop a grainy texture after thawing and reheating.

Variations

1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Turn this recipe into loaded baked potato soup by topping each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions. You can also mash more of the potatoes for a texture similar to a loaded baked potato.

2. Cheesy Corn and Potato Soup

Make the corn a star ingredient by increasing the amount to about 2 cups. The natural sweetness of the corn pairs wonderfully with creamy potatoes and sharp cheddar. Add crispy bacon on top for a sweet-and-savory combination.

3. Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

Add extra crispy bacon and use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor. Reserve some bacon for topping each bowl just before serving.

4. Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup

Add chopped broccoli during the final stages of cooking so it stays tender without becoming overly soft. The combination of potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar creates a creamy soup inspired by classic broccoli cheddar soup.

5. Potato and Corn Soup

Make the corn more prominent by adding additional corn. The natural sweetness of the corn pairs especially well with the salty ham and creamy cheddar base.

6. Creamy Garlic Potato Soup

Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the crockpot for an extra layer of flavor. Garlic pairs naturally with potatoes, cheddar cheese.

7. Vegetable Potato Soup

Add additional vegetables such as celery, peas, green beans, or extra carrots. This is a convenient way to use vegetables you already have in the refrigerator.

8. Green Pea Potato Soup

Add about 1 cup of frozen peas near the end of cooking. The peas add color, sweetness, and a slightly fresh flavor to the rich soup.

9. Hash Brown Potato Soup

For a shortcut version, replace the diced potatoes with frozen shredded hash browns. The smaller potato pieces cook quickly and create a smoother, thicker soup.

10. Chicken Potato Soup

Replace the ham with diced cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Add the cooked chicken toward the end so it stays tender and does not become dry.

11. Spicy Cheesy Potato Soup

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a small amount of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of some of the cheddar.

12. Italian-Style Potato Soup

Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and a handful of chopped spinach near the end of cooking. Parmesan cheese can also be added along with the cheddar for a deeper savory flavor.

13. Extra Creamy Potato Soup

For a richer soup, replace part of the milk with heavy cream. Adding cream makes the finished soup thicker and more luxurious.

FAQs

1. What potatoes are best for crockpot potato soup?

Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice because they become creamy while still holding their shape. Russet potatoes can be used for a thicker soup, while red potatoes hold their shape well during slow cooking.

2. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes. Frozen shredded hash browns can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh diced potatoes. They cook more quickly and create a smoother texture.

3. Can I make this soup without ham?

Yes. Simply leave out the ham or replace it with cooked chicken. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes. Cheddar can be replaced or combined with cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack. For the strongest flavor, sharp cheddar works particularly well.

5. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes. You can replace some of the milk with heavy cream for a richer and creamier soup. Using all heavy cream will produce a much richer result.

6. How do I make potato soup thicker?

The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the soup. You can also mash some of the cooked potatoes with a potato masher or immersion blender to naturally thicken the soup.

7. Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely. Corn, carrots, peas, celery, broccoli, and green beans can all work well in this soup. Add vegetables according to their cooking time so they do not become overly soft.

8. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes. The soup can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days. It may become thicker when chilled, so add a little broth or milk while reheating if necessary.

9. What size crockpot should I use?

A 5- or 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. Make sure the crockpot is not overfilled so the ingredients can cook properly.

10. Why did my cheese become grainy?

Cheese can become grainy when exposed to very high heat or when dairy is frozen and reheated. Add the cheese toward the end of cooking and avoid boiling the soup after adding the dairy.

Crockpot Potato Soup is an easy, hearty, and comforting slow cooker meal made with tender potatoes, ham, vegetables, milk, and plenty of cheddar cheese. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop while making the potatoes tender and delicious. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, crackers, a fresh salad, or a simple sandwich, this cheesy potato soup makes a satisfying family dinner. With plenty of variations and easy ingredient swaps, it is also a versatile recipe you can customize to suit your family’s tastes.

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