This Crock Pot Potato Soup is the ultimate creamy comfort food, crafted from simple ingredients with minimal hands-on effort. Its rich, velvety texture and savory flavor from bacon and sharp cheddar make it a beloved family favorite. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend supper.

I first fell in love with this style of slow-simmered soup while traveling through the countryside, where humble ingredients are transformed into something truly magical. There’s a special comfort in the aroma of potatoes, thyme, and onion filling the house as it cooks all day. I love serving this hearty potato soup with a side of my garlic mashed potatoes for a full potato feast, or a crisp green salad. It has become my go-to for potlucks and chilly evenings, much like my cherished beef stew.

Why This Crock Pot Potato Soup Wins Every Time

Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Incredibly Creamy Texture: A simple roux made at the end creates a luxuriously smooth and velvety broth.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Its comforting, familiar flavors are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This easy potato soup recipe makes a large batch that reheats beautifully for lunches all week.

Ingredients for Your Perfect Crock Pot Potato Soup

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Russet potatoes: Their high starch content helps create a naturally thicker soup base.
Yellow onion and celery: These aromatic vegetables build a foundational savory flavor as they slow cook.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a crucial depth and aroma to the soup.
Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth as it forms the liquid foundation of the soup.
Butter and flour: This combination is used to make the roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Together, they create the rich, creamy consistency that makes this soup so decadent.
Sharp cheddar cheese: It melts smoothly into the soup, providing a tangy, cheesy flavor.
Bacon and chives: These classic garnishes add a wonderful salty crunch and fresh oniony finish.

Crock Pot Potato Soup

Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup with bacon, cheddar, and fresh herbs. Slow-cooked to perfection for the ultimate comfort food experience. Easy recipe!

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 25

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

slow cooker
knife
cutting board
measuring cups
measuring spoons
saucepan
whisk
potato masher

Ingredients

Soup Base

2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
1/2 tsp dried thyme

Creamy Roux

1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish

Garnishes

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, for garnish
2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Begin by peeling the 2 pounds of Russet potatoes and dicing them into consistent 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop the 1 medium yellow onion and 2 stalks of celery. Finally, mince the 2 cloves of garlic.
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chopped celery, minced garlic, 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir all ingredients gently to ensure they are well combined.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the soup on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be fork-tender and easily mashable when done.
Approximately 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, melt the 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Continue to whisk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until a smooth, lightly golden paste (roux) forms.
Gradually pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and the 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly, which typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
Pour the thickened milk mixture directly into the slow cooker with the tender potatoes. Stir thoroughly to incorporate. For a creamier texture with some potato chunks, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker to your desired consistency. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and smoothly integrated into the soup.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle generous portions of the hot potato soup into individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl generously with extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of crumbled cooked bacon, and a dash of thinly sliced fresh chives or green onions before serving.

Notes

For a creamier texture with some potato chunks, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker to your desired consistency.

Keyword comfort food, crock pot, potato soup, slow cooker

Delicious Ways to Customize Your Soup

Loaded Baked Potato Style: Stir in a cup of sour cream at the end and top with extra bacon, cheddar, and chopped green onions.
Vegetarian Version: Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon garnish.
Add More Protein: For a heartier meal, add diced cooked ham or shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Potato Soup

Dice Evenly: Cutting the potatoes into uniform half-inch cubes ensures they all cook at the same rate.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Whisking the butter and flour mixture thoroughly is key to preventing a lumpy soup. For another recipe that uses a brilliant roux, check out my creamy mac and cheese.
Mash to Your Liking: Use a potato masher gently for a chunky texture, or more vigorously for a creamier consistency.
Season at the End: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper after adding the cheese, as it can be salty.

How to Store and Reheat Your Leftovers

Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Gently warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can chop the vegetables the night before and store them in water in the fridge to streamline your prep in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make potato soup without heavy cream?

Yes, you can. For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with an equal amount of additional whole milk, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk. The soup will be slightly less rich but still wonderfully creamy.

How can I thicken my crock pot potato soup?

The roux made from butter and flour is the primary thickener. For an even thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes directly in the pot. If it’s still too thin, a slurry of a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water can be whisked in at the end.

What kind of potatoes are best for soup?

Starchy potatoes like Russets are ideal because they break down slightly during cooking, helping to thicken the soup naturally. Waxy potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon Golds will hold their shape better, resulting in a soup with distinct potato chunks.

Can I put raw potatoes in the slow cooker?

Absolutely. Raw potatoes are perfect for the slow cooker. They will become perfectly tender and flavorful as they simmer slowly in the broth over several hours, which is the magic of this slow cooker potato soup method.

More Comforting Soups to Try

Why This Crock Pot Potato Soup Belongs on Your Table

With its velvety texture and deeply satisfying flavor, this Crock Pot Potato Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet feels wonderfully indulgent. I hope this easy recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, bringing warmth and comfort to your table for years to come.

Creamy Crock Pot Soup