Creamy Dreamy Crock Pot Potato Soup
Table of Contents
Right then, let's talk about comfort food, shall we? ever come home on a chilly evening and just crave something warm and filling? well, crock pot potato soup is your answer, mate.
It’s basically a hug in a bowl. honestly, who doesn't love a good potato soup crock pot recipe? it's one of my favourite crock pot food recipes to date.
Hello Potato Bacon Soup , Goodbye Winter Blues!
This ain't your fancy pants restaurant soup, mind you. this is proper home cooking, born from simple ingredients and a desire for something satisfying.
This soup, or similar soup in the crockpot recipes, originates from the classic need to use up those pantry staples in the most comforting way possible.
You know the feeling? think hearty, creamy, and totally delicious. it's incredibly easy, too. we're talking 15 minutes of prep, then let the slow cooker potato soup do its thing.
This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family dinner or some delightful leftovers!
Benefits Of Slow Cooker Potatoes
This potato soup easy recipe offers more than just comfort! potatoes are surprisingly nutritious. they're a good source of vitamin c and potassium.
Plus, using a slow cooker helps retain those nutrients. this soup is ideal for a chilly sunday dinner or even a casual gathering with friends.
What makes this recipe truly special? it's the sheer simplicity and the ability to customize it to your taste. fancy a potato bacon soup with a bit of a kick? add some chilli flakes! want a lighter version? use milk instead of cream.
The possibilities are endless. when using a crockpot , it also offers crockpot ideas , allowing freedom and experiment with ingredients.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this crock pot potato soup sing! this isn't rocket science, you know? think of it like building a lego castle fun and surprisingly satisfying.
This soup in the crockpot is super easy.
Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Down to Brass Tacks
So, you're ready to make some magic happen? Grab these bits and bobs, and you're golden. This Potato Bacon Soup is a sure fire winner.
Main Ingredients
- 5 lbs (2.3 kg) Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Honestly, the quality of your potatoes does matter. Look for firm ones without sprouts. If they're soft and wrinkly? Give 'em a miss.
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth (low sodium is best).
- 1 tsp dried thyme.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste). Taste often!
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste).
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (save those drippings!). Trust me, the bacon fat adds something special.
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream.
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened. Super important that it's properly soft, or you'll get lumpy soup. Not ideal!
Seasoning Notes: That Extra Zing
Okay, so the basics are covered. But what about that oomph? Think of these as your secret weapons:
- Thyme and pepper are your classic go-to's. It is very nice in Slow Cooker Potato Soup .
- Bacon drippings. Seriously, don't skip this. It's liquid gold.
- Need a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don't have thyme? Use marjoram, or even a bit of Italian seasoning. The beauty of this recipe is it's forgiving.
Equipment Needed
Right, tools of the trade. Keep it simple.
- A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker/crock pot. This is where the magic happens. A big Crock Pot Food
- Chopping board. Essential, unless you fancy doing it on your lap.
- A sharp knife.
- Large spoon. For stirring, naturally.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Potato masher (optional). Want a chunkier Potato Soup Easy ? Go for it. Otherwise, blend it up!
Got all that? good! now, let's get to the fun part. i will show you how to make a delicious potato soup crock pot .
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. i always chuck in a bay leaf for extra flavor, but that's just me.
Get those slow cooker potatoes working their magic! i love a good crockpot ideas . let's get cooking!
Alright, let's get this show on the road! a crock pot potato soup , eh? classic comfort food. it’s basically "hygge" in a bowl.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good potato soup? it’s like a warm blanket on a chilly day.
Creamy Dreamy Crock Pot Potato Soup (Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavour!)
This crock pot potato soup is a hug in a bowl. think creamy potatoes with the savory richness of bacon.
And hints of onion and garlic, all simmered to perfection while you chill out. it really is soup in the crockpot magic! top with your fixings for a family approved meal.
I remember the first time I tried making potato soup crock pot . My gran's recipe? I ended up with a gummy mess. It taught me a lot about potatoes, and patience.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first. it’s time for some mise en place fancy french for "everything in its place." peel and cube 5 lbs of russet potatoes.
Chop 1 medium yellow onion. mince 2 cloves of garlic. cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy. crumble it when cool.
This prep takes about 15 minutes .
Time Saving Tip: Chop the veggies the night before. Store them in the fridge. Seriously, it's a game changer.
step-by-step: From Crock Pot Food Dreams to Reality
Okay, here’s the easy bit. This slow cooker potato soup is about to become your new best mate.
- Layer it up: Add the spuds, onion, garlic, 6 cups of chicken broth, 1 tsp of thyme, ½ tsp of salt, ¼ tsp of pepper, and bacon to the crock pot.
- Slow cook it: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Check those Slow Cooker Potatoes !
- Mash if you like: For a creamier texture, mash some of the potatoes with a masher. I like it chunky, personally.
- Stir in the creamy: Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 4 oz of softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Heat it through: Cook for another 15- 30 minutes on low. Make sure it’s nice and hot.
- Serve it up: Ladle into bowls. Top with cheese, green onions, sour cream or hot sauce, if you fancy.
Pro Tips for Potato Soup Glory
Want to take your Potato Bacon Soup to the next level? Here's how:
- Bacon Grease Boost: Use the bacon grease for extra flavor. Fry the onion and garlic in it before adding to the crock pot. Oh my gosh!
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked potatoes turn gummy, so keep an eye on them.
- Salt to Taste: Broth and bacon already contain salt. Taste before adding more, yeah?
So, there you have it. my version of potato soup easy . a warm bowl of comfort that practically cooks itself.
Hope you love it, and happy cooking! it might also spark some crockpot ideas too. cheerio!
Right then, let's talk about some extra bits for our Creamy Dreamy Crock Pot Potato Soup . Because sometimes, the details are what really make a dish sing.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Good, Guv'nor!
Honestly, presentation matters. right? this soup in the crockpot already tastes amazing. but a little bit of effort with the plating can take it to the next level.
Ladle that glorious potato soup crock pot into a nice bowl. a rustic stoneware bowl works well, right? then, think about colour.
A sprinkle of bright green spring onions. maybe a dollop of sour cream. a scattering of crispy bacon bits. sorted!
As for sides, it depends what you're after. want something light? a simple green salad does the trick. for something more substantial, think about a grilled cheese sandwich.
Perfect for dunking, you know? and a pint of proper ginger beer works wonders. a great crock pot food that's both satisfying and easy.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Listen up because food waste is criminal. got leftovers of your amazing slow cooker potato soup ? no worries! fridge is your friend.
Let the potato bacon soup cool completely. then, bung it in an airtight container. it'll keep happily for about 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave. just make sure it's piping hot all the way through.
Freezing is also an option if you have more than that. be aware that the texture might change a bit.
The potatoes can get a little grainy, but it will still taste delicious. thaw overnight in the fridge. then reheat as above.
Don't refreeze, yeah?
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? no problem! a lot of people are dairy-free these days. so, swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk.
And use a plant based cream cheese. works a treat! always good to see some crockpot ideas being inclusive.
Seasonal swaps? oh, you bet! in autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash for extra sweetness. or add a pinch of nutmeg.
Festive, innit? in summer, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's be real. this potato soup easy isn't exactly a salad. but it's not terrible either. potatoes provide some good carbs.
Bacon adds protein. and the dairy gives you calcium. you're getting your slow cooker potatoes that have some nutrients. think of it as comfort food with benefits! roughly, you're looking at around 350 calories per serving.
Plus, about 15g of protein and 30g of carbs. all estimates of course, don't come at me!
So there you have it. a few extra tips and tricks to make your crock pot potato soup even better.
Now go forth and get cooking terms to use this knowledge. don't overthink it. have fun. and most importantly, enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crock pot potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of a slow cooker recipe. You can prepare the soup in the morning and let it cook all day. Just keep in mind that the longer it cooks, the softer the potatoes will become. If you're worried about them getting too soft, cook on low rather than high.
How do I store leftover potato soup?
Leftover crock pot potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the soup may thicken upon refrigeration; you can add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore it to its original consistency.
It's best not to freeze potato soup as the texture can change and become grainy after thawing, a fate worse than a soggy bottom!
My crock pot potato soup is too thick! How can I thin it out?
No worries, it happens! Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Start with a small amount, about a quarter of a cup, and gradually add more until it's just right. You don't want it so thin it's like water, after all!
Can I make this potato soup vegetarian?
You bet! To make this crock pot potato soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavour similar to bacon. Alternatively, pan-fry some shiitake mushrooms until crispy and use these as a "bacon" substitute!
Is crock pot potato soup healthy?
Potato soup can be part of a balanced diet. To make it healthier, consider using low-sodium broth, opting for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping, and adding plenty of vegetables. Using reduced fat cream cheese is another easy way to reduce the fat content.
Remember that moderation is key, even with comfort food!
What other toppings can I add to my potato soup?
The sky's the limit! Get creative with your toppings. Besides the classics like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, consider adding crumbled tortilla chips for a Southwestern twist, a dollop of pesto for a burst of freshness, or even some crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
A bit of chopped chives never goes amiss, either. It's your soup; make it your own!
Creamy Dreamy Crock Pot Potato Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |