Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. This easy slow cooker soup is perfect for busy days, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless slow cooker meal – Just dump the ingredients in and let the Crock Pot do the work.
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy – The perfect blend of potatoes, cheese, and seasonings.
- Great for meal prep – Easy to store and reheat for later.
- Customizable – Add bacon, extra veggies, or spice it up to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream or milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Bacon (optional, for topping)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients – Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic.
- Add to the slow cooker – Place potatoes, onions, garlic, butter, and chicken broth into the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes – Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Stir in the cheese and cream – Add cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and heavy cream. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Season and serve – Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours
Variations
- Loaded Potato Soup – Stir in crispy bacon, sour cream, and extra cheese.
- Vegetarian Version – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Twist – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Thicker Soup – Mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water if you want a thicker consistency.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing if using heavy cream, as it may separate.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes! Substitute with frozen diced hash browns for a quicker option.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Use a potato masher or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and a butter substitute for a non-dairy version.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes create a creamy texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I prevent my cheese from clumping?
Use freshly shredded cheese and add it gradually while stirring. Avoid overheating.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked bacon works great—just crumble and sprinkle it on top.
What’s the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is easiest, but you can also use a potato masher or transfer to a blender in batches.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer potatoes in broth until tender, then follow the remaining steps.
How do I add extra protein?
Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or even ground sausage for a protein boost.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, potato-filled goodness!
Print
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. This easy slow cooker soup is perfect for busy days, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled (optional)
Instructions
-
Prep & Add Ingredients:
Add diced potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, salt, pepper, and paprika to the slow cooker. -
Cook Until Tender:
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
Cook until potatoes are fork-tender.
-
Mash for Creaminess:
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture, or leave them chunky if preferred. -
Add Dairy & Cheese:
Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Let melt and blend smoothly. -
Finish with Sour Cream:
Stir in sour cream for extra richness. Adjust seasoning if needed. -
Serve & Enjoy!
Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions, extra cheese, and bacon if desired.
Notes
✔ Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
✔ Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free!
✔ Thicker Soup? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) at the end.
✔ Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.