Description
This creamy Crockpot Potato Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Made with tender potatoes, savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and a touch of smoked paprika, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors and a luscious texture. Easy to prepare and cook in your slow cooker, this soup is ideal for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Thickening and Creamy Elements
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the peeled and diced potatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the crockpot. This forms the flavorful base of your soup.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash Potatoes Slightly: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to gently mash some of them right in the crockpot. This technique thickens the soup while keeping some potato chunks intact for a nice texture.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the soup and add creaminess.
- Combine Cream Mixture and Cheese: Stir the cream and flour mixture into the crockpot. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the soup slightly thickens.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and add more salt or black pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup before adding the cream mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup may be less rich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American