CrockPot Potato Soup

Indulge in a bowl of comforting CrockPot Potato Soup, a year-round favorite that combines crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a luxurious blend of cheese and sour cream. This slow cooker recipe is not only easy to prepare but promises a rich, creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon
• ½ onion (diced)
• 2 pounds red potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or stock)
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 green onions (thinly sliced)

Directions:

1. Cooking the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set it aside while reserving the fat in the pan. Sauté diced onion in the reserved bacon fat until softened.
2. Preparing the Potatoes: In your slow cooker, combine diced potatoes, minced garlic, dried thyme (or fresh sprigs), salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours (or 6-8 hours on low) until the potatoes are tender. Use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup mixture, leaving some potatoes slightly mashed for texture.
4. Adding Creamy Goodness: Mix heavy cream with cornstarch and add it to the slow cooker along with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and half of the crispy bacon.
5. Final Touches: Cover the slow cooker again and let the soup heat through on high for 15-20 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Servings: 6

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish Creatively: When serving, consider topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a few bacon crumbles. This enhances both the flavor and visual appeal of the soup.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve the soup alongside crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple side salad for a complete meal. The bread will complement the creamy texture of the soup, while a salad adds freshness and balance.
3. Presentation Matters: For a more elegant presentation, consider serving the soup in bread bowls or small individual soup tureens. This adds a rustic charm and makes the meal feel more special.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, CrockPot Potato Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze leftover soup, ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and contents. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating Instructions: Reheat individual portions of soup in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For larger quantities, gently reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your CrockPot Potato Soup remains delicious and enjoyable from the first serving to the last.

1. Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

• Add-In: Include crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions into the soup during the cooking process.
• Topping: Garnish with additional bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions before serving.

2. Vegetarian Option:

• Replace Bacon: Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions for a vegetarian version.
• Add-In: Add diced carrots, celery, and mushrooms for added depth of flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Bacon: Optionally, use vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu as a bacon substitute.

3. Spicy Twist:

• Add Heat: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
• Spicy Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
• Garnish: Top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

4. Mediterranean Inspired:

• Herb Blend: Replace thyme with a blend of Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary.
• Vegetables: Add diced tomatoes and spinach during the last hour of cooking for a Mediterranean flair.
• Cheese: Substitute feta cheese for cheddar and add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

5. Creamy Cauliflower Potato Soup:

• Cauliflower Addition: Replace half of the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter option.
• Herbs: Use fresh dill or parsley instead of thyme.
• Creamy Texture: Blend the soup until smooth for a velvety consistency.

6. Mexican Inspired:

• Seasonings: Use cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a southwestern flavor profile.
• Beans: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed, for added protein and texture.
• Garnish: Top with diced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

7. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup:

• Add-In: Stir in chopped steamed broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking.
• Cheese: Use a combination of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Texture: Blend half of the soup for a creamy base with chunks of potatoes and broccoli.

8. Thai Curry Potato Soup:

• Curry Paste: Stir in a few tablespoons of Thai red or yellow curry paste for a flavorful twist.
• Coconut Milk: Substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream for a creamy, coconutty base.
• Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.

These variations offer exciting ways to personalize your CrockPot Potato Soup to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Experiment with ingredients and seasonings to create a soup that’s perfect for any occasion!

1. Can I use russet potatoes instead of red potatoes?

• Yes, you can substitute russet potatoes for red potatoes in this recipe. Russet potatoes will provide a similar texture when cooked in the slow cooker.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare CrockPot Potato Soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

3. How can I make this soup vegetarian?

• To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables like carrots and celery for added flavor.

4. Can I use low-fat ingredients to make this soup healthier?

• Yes, you can use low-fat or light versions of ingredients like sour cream and cheese to reduce the fat content. Substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream alternative or milk if desired.

5. How do I thicken potato soup without using cornstarch?

• If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can thicken the soup by blending some of the potatoes or adding instant mashed potatoes. Another option is to simmer the soup uncovered for a longer time to reduce and thicken naturally.

6. Can I use an Instant Pot instead of a CrockPot?

• Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes with a quick release of pressure. Follow the same steps for blending and adding creamy ingredients afterward.

7. How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy in the slow cooker?

• To prevent potatoes from becoming mushy, ensure you dice them into uniform pieces. Also, avoid overcooking; check for doneness periodically and adjust cooking time accordingly.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

• Yes, you can customize this soup by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, or bell peppers. Add them in during the cooking process according to their required cooking times.

9. How can I make this soup gluten-free?

• This soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure the ingredients you add are gluten-free, such as bacon and seasonings.

10. What are some serving suggestions for CrockPot Potato Soup? – Serve the soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side salad. Garnish with additional sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and bacon crumbles for added flavor and texture.

These FAQs cover common inquiries about preparing, customizing, and serving CrockPot Potato Soup, helping you create a delicious meal with confidence.