Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup: A Comfort Food Classic
This recipe for creamy crockpot potato soup is the epitome of comfort food. It's easy to make, requiring minimal prep work, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, resulting in a rich, creamy, and flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is also highly versatile, allowing for customization to your liking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk (for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, sour cream
Instructions for Crockpot Potato Soup Perfection:
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Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but Recommended): While this step isn't strictly necessary, sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker will enhance the flavor of your soup. This step adds depth and complexity that you won't get from simply throwing everything in raw.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add the sautéed vegetables (or raw vegetables if skipping the sauté step), garlic, vegetable broth, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
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Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily mashed.
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Blend for Creamy Texture (Optional): For an extra creamy texture, carefully use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Be cautious when blending hot liquids. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender.
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Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking (or after blending). This will add richness and creaminess without curdling.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup:
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture when cooked.
- Broth Choice: Vegetable broth creates a lighter soup, while chicken broth adds a richer, savory flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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