Craving something cozy? This creamy potato soup is rich, filling, and absolutely satisfying. With tender potatoes, melty cheese, and smoky bacon, every spoonful feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you just need a comforting dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Potato Soup
Easy weeknight dinner
Potato soup is simple to prepare and lets the slow cooker do most of the work. With minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty dinner bubbling away in just minutes.
Family-friendly comfort food
This soup delivers creamy, cheesy goodness that kids and adults both love. It’s a classic comfort dish that feels homemade and nourishing without being fussy.
Customizable with toppings and add-ins
The beauty of potato soup is its flexibility. Add extra cheese, chives, or even hot sauce. You can also stir in cooked ham, chicken, or colorful veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core ingredients for the base
The main ingredients include potatoes, chicken broth, onion, garlic, butter, milk, sour cream, and shredded cheddar. These give the soup its creamy base and savory flavor.
Optional add-ins and vegetables
Mix in extras like sweet corn, peas, bell peppers, or carrots for more color and nutrition. For protein variety, try turkey bacon, shredded chicken, or even Italian sausage.
Best potatoes for creamy texture
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are the top picks. They cook down into a soft, velvety texture that thickens the soup naturally without needing too much flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the potatoes and base ingredients
Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them into your crockpot. Add broth, bacon (or turkey bacon), onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a stir before covering.
Slow cook until tender
Cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and fragrant. This long simmer builds depth of flavor.
Mash and adjust texture
Use a masher to gently mash some of the potatoes. Mash more for a thicker soup, or leave them chunky if you prefer texture. Adjust until it feels just right.
Stir in dairy and finish cooking
Add butter, flour, milk, cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and combined. Cook another 30–60 minutes on low until the soup is creamy and rich. Serve hot with green onions.
Expert Tips for the Best Potato Soup
Shredding cheese from a block
Always shred your own cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese blends in perfectly.
Controlling thickness
If the soup is too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk until it loosens up.
Flavor-boosting toppings
Top with extra cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or a spoonful of sour cream. Hot sauce, croutons, or even crispy fried onions can add another layer of flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Different proteins like ham or chicken
Swap bacon with ham chunks, shredded chicken, or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. These proteins bring new flavors while keeping the dish hearty.
Swapping milk types
Whole milk gives the richest result, but you can use half and half for extra creaminess or 2% milk for a lighter option. Dairy-free? Try oat milk or almond milk.
Extra veggies for color and nutrition
Carrots, peas, or corn not only add nutrients but also brighten the soup with color. Stir them in during the last hour of cooking so they stay tender.
What to Serve with Potato Soup
Bread and rolls
Nothing pairs better than crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. They’re perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of creamy broth.
Salads for balance
A crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw balances the richness. A vinaigrette dressing cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Sandwich pairings
Serve soup with a grilled cheese, BLT, or turkey melt. Together they create a filling and cozy meal.
Storage and Reheating
How to refrigerate leftovers
Store cooled potato soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and taste even better the next day.
Best ways to reheat
Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. If reheating in the microwave, do it in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
Why freezing isn’t recommended
Freezing can change the creamy texture of potato soup, making it grainy. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days of cooking.
Explore Similar Recipes
If you love cozy dinners like this, you’ll also enjoy trying our creamy crack potato soup packed with cheddar and bacon, a slow cooker chicken stew for cozy weeknight dinners, a crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole that melts in your mouth, or this loaded baked potato soup that’s warm and hearty.
Potato Soup FAQs
How long can you keep potato soup?
You can keep potato soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the texture and flavor begin to change.
How to keep potatoes from getting mushy in potato soup?
Use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes and avoid over-mashing. Cook them until just fork-tender, then add dairy near the end to preserve texture.
Will potato soup thicken as it cooks?
Yes, as the potatoes break down, they naturally thicken the broth. The flour and cheese also help create a creamy body as the soup simmers.
What is typically in potato soup?
Potato soup usually contains potatoes, broth, onion, garlic, milk or cream, cheese, and sometimes bacon. Many variations add protein or vegetables for more flavor.
Conclusion
Encouragement to try this cozy recipe
This potato soup is creamy, hearty, and full of comfort in every bite. It’s simple to make yet tastes like something special from a restaurant.
Reminder of versatility and easy preparation
With endless topping and add-in options, you can make it just the way your family loves. Try it this week for a warm, stress-free dinner that always satisfies. For even more cozy dinner inspiration, browse our Pinterest recipe collection and save your favorites for later.
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Creamy Potato Soup Recipe – Hearty Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy potato soup is rich, cheesy, and comforting. A slow cooker favorite that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or when you need a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups chicken broth
8 oz cooked bacon (or turkey bacon), chopped
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
Green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Place potatoes, broth, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in crockpot. Cover.
2. Cook on high 3–4 hours or low 5–6 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Lightly mash potatoes to your desired texture.
4. Add butter, flour, milk, cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
5. Cook on low for another 30–60 minutes, until creamy and thick.
6. Serve hot with green onions and toppings of choice.
Notes
Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting.
Top with bacon bits, chives, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Best potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as texture may change.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 436
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg