There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, comforting slow cooker potato soup on a chilly evening. This recipe promises a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Inspired by cozy family dinners, this recipe is designed to be both simple and satisfying. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on other things while a hearty meal practically cooks itself. This recipe is so good, it might just become your new favorite!
Looking for vegetarian or vegan options? We’ve got you covered! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs; simply swap out the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the bacon. For more inspiration, check out this green bean casserole recipe.
Get ready to experience the easiest and most flavorful slow cooker potato soup. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to this foolproof recipe!
Quick Overview: Your Delicious Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Craving a warm and comforting bowl of potato soup? Here’s a quick rundown to show you just how easy it is to make this recipe in your slow cooker.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
How to Make It in a Nutshell
- Combine bacon, chicken stock, potatoes, and onion in your slow cooker.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Create a roux with bacon grease and flour, then whisk in evaporated milk.
- Combine the milk mixture with the soup, then add cheese and Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the consistency and seasonings to your liking before serving.
Ready to dive into the details? Keep reading for expert tips on achieving the perfect creamy texture and flavor!
The Secret to Perfectly Creamy Potato Soup
This slow cooker potato soup isn’t just easy; it’s designed for maximum flavor and the perfect creamy texture. Let’s dive into the secrets behind a truly exceptional potato soup, so you can replicate the magic every single time.
Choosing Your Potatoes: Yukon Gold is King
For the ultimate creamy texture and buttery flavor, Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet. Their natural creaminess lends itself perfectly to this soup, creating a velvety smooth base.
If you’re in a pinch, Russet potatoes can work. However, be mindful that they can be starchier, potentially leading to a slightly drier texture. Red potatoes, while lower in starch, don’t break down as well, resulting in a less creamy soup.
Building Flavor: The Power of Bacon Grease (or Butter)
Don’t underestimate the importance of the roux! Using bacon grease (or butter) as the base for your roux adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire soup.
The fat not only contributes its own rich flavor but also helps to create a smooth, lump-free thickening base when combined with the flour. It’s the foundation upon which the creamy texture is built.
Mastering the Creamy Consistency
Achieving the perfect creamy consistency is all about technique and ingredients. The flour-based roux is crucial for thickening the soup, while the evaporated milk adds richness without being overly heavy.
Want an even thicker soup? Mash about half of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker! If it gets too thick, simply add a little warmed chicken or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Avoiding the Gummy Trap
Nobody wants gummy potato soup! To avoid this pitfall, be careful not to over-mash the potatoes.
Additionally, ensure that you cook the potatoes until they are just tender. Overcooking them can release too much starch, leading to a gluey texture. Using Yukon Gold potatoes also helps to prevent a gummy texture, as they are naturally less starchy than other varieties.
Now that you know the secrets, let’s get cooking and make some delicious soup!
Let’s Make Some Delicious Soup!
Ready to create a comforting and flavorful slow cooker potato soup? This section will guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious result every time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
First, add the 6 slices of diced, cooked bacon, 3 cups of chicken stock, 2 pounds of diced Yukon gold potatoes, and 1 diced medium white or yellow onion to your slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors start to meld.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now, set your slow cooker to either low or high. If you’re using the low setting, cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to cook until the potatoes are completely tender. This will ensure they blend beautifully into the soup.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Roux
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter if you prefer) over medium-high heat. This fat will form the base of our roux, adding richness to the soup. Once melted, whisk in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour until it’s completely combined. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. This step is important to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Whisk in Evaporated Milk
Gradually add one 12-ounce can of 2% evaporated milk to the saucepan while continuously whisking. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Then, keep cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens. This typically takes a few minutes.
Step 5: Blend and Enrich the Soup
Pour the thickened milk mixture from the saucepan into the slow cooker with the potatoes. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, add 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of plain low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream, 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly-cracked black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Perfect Your Soup’s Texture
This is where you can customize the soup to your preferred consistency. For a thicker soup, mash about half of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra 1-2 cups of warmed chicken or vegetable stock. Stir well to incorporate. Don’t forget to taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your delicious slow cooker potato soup warm. Get creative with toppings! Some great options include thinly-sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!
Now that you have mastered the art of slow cooker potato soup, let’s explore some exciting variations and topping ideas to make it your own!
Make It Your Own: Endless Topping & Variation Ideas
Dress It Up: Delicious Topping Combinations
- Fresh chives: A classic choice that adds a mild, oniony flavor and a pop of color.
- Green onions: Similar to chives, but with a slightly stronger flavor.
- Extra shredded cheese: Go beyond the cheddar with some smoked gouda for a rich, smoky flavor.
- Extra bacon: Because, why not? More bacon always makes everything better.
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds a tangy coolness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a little kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is the perfect addition.
Add Some Heartiness: Protein Boosts
Want to make your soup even more substantial? Adding some protein is a great way to do it. Shredded chicken is a simple and delicious option, especially if you have leftover rotisserie chicken on hand. You could also add shredded beef for a richer flavor, or even some browned ground meat. These additions will transform your potato soup into a complete and satisfying meal.
Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptations
Adapting this recipe for vegetarian and vegan diets is surprisingly easy. Simply substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock to keep it vegetarian, and omit the bacon altogether. For a vegan version, use plant-based milk alternatives instead of evaporated milk, and ensure any cheese substitutes you use are vegan-friendly. For an extra boost of flavor, try adding some Old Bay seasoning; it’s a great addition for vegetarians!
Creative Flavor Twists
Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavors in your potato soup. Adding other vegetables, such as diced carrots or celery, can add both texture and nutrients. Experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyere or Monterey Jack, to create unique flavor profiles. You can also incorporate seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to add depth and complexity to the soup’s taste.
Now that you’ve got all sorts of ideas for customizing your soup, let’s talk about how to share your delicious creation!
Your Potato Soup Questions, Answered!
How do I store leftover potato soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock and omit the bacon. For vegan, use plant-based milk alternatives and ensure any cheese substitutes are vegan.
How do you keep potato soup from getting gummy?
Avoid over-mashing the potatoes and cook them until just tender. Using Yukon Gold potatoes also helps maintain a creamy, non-gummy texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be made a day in advance and reheated. Some prefer to add the cheese and Greek yogurt/sour cream just before serving to maintain their texture.
Did You Make This Delicious Soup?
We hope you enjoyed making this creamy slow cooker potato soup! Now it’s your turn to share your experience and inspire other home cooks.
Share Your Experience!
Leave a star rating below and share your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear about any variations you tried or favorite toppings you added!
More Soups to Love
Want to try another soup recipe? Check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup for another comforting meal. Or maybe this Chicken Noodle Soup is more your thing!
More Topping Inspiration
Elevate your next dish with exciting toppings! For inspiration, take a look at these Grated Egg Avocado Toast. Or maybe this Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest is more your thing!
Exploring Vegetarian Options
Looking for vegetarian or vegan options? Explore more meat-free dishes and discover a world of flavors!
We appreciate your feedback and can’t wait to see your culinary creations!
Share your culinary adventures with us on Pinterest and Facebook!
Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 6 slices diced, cooked bacon
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 pounds diced Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 diced medium white or yellow onion
Roux and Creamy Mixture
- 4 tablespoons bacon grease (or butter)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 12-ounce can 2% evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients
- First, add the 6 slices of diced, cooked bacon, 3 cups of chicken stock, 2 pounds of diced Yukon gold potatoes, and 1 diced medium white or yellow onion to your slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors start to meld.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Now, set your slow cooker to either low or high. If you're using the low setting, cook for 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to cook until the potatoes are completely tender. This will ensure they blend beautifully into the soup.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Roux
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter if you prefer) over medium-high heat. This fat will form the base of our roux, adding richness to the soup. Once melted, whisk in 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour until it's completely combined. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. This step is important to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Whisk in Evaporated Milk
- Gradually add one 12-ounce can of 2% evaporated milk to the saucepan while continuously whisking. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth. Then, keep cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens. This typically takes a few minutes.
Step 5: Blend and Enrich the Soup
- Pour the thickened milk mixture from the saucepan into the slow cooker with the potatoes. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, add 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of plain low-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream, 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly-cracked black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Perfect Your Soup's Texture
- This is where you can customize the soup to your preferred consistency. For a thicker soup, mash about half of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. If you prefer a thinner soup, add an extra 1-2 cups of warmed chicken or vegetable stock. Stir well to incorporate. Don't forget to taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed to bring out the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Serve your delicious slow cooker potato soup warm. Get creative with toppings! Some great options include thinly-sliced green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!