Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe
Is there anything better than coming home to a bubbling pot of Slow Cooker Potato Soup? This golden, creamy soup is comfort in a bowl: tender potatoes, savory broth, silky cream, and a mountain of toppings that make every spoonful irresistible. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd on game day, this dish turns simple ingredients into absolute magic with barely any hands-on effort. If you haven’t tried making Slow Cooker Potato Soup before, you’re in for a treat—trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Potato Soup lies in its humble ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table. These pantry staples work together to create a soup that’s rich, deeply flavorful, and perfectly textured. Here’s what you need and why they matter:
- Potatoes: The hearty base—Yukon Gold or russet potatoes create melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and body.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavors in every bite.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves pack an aromatic punch and up the savory notes.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is the soul of the soup—choose low-sodium to control the salt and let the potatoes shine.
- Heavy Cream: For a luscious, velvety finish that feels downright decadent.
- Sour Cream: Brings a gentle tang and helps thicken the soup to the ideal consistency.
- Bacon: Smoky, crispy bits scattered on top take this soup to next-level comfort.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection right on top.
- Green Onions: A pop of color and freshness to brighten every bowl.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all those cozy flavors together just right.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker
Start by getting your slow cooker ready—this is the part where all the magic begins! Toss in your diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir so the flavors can mingle while they cook low and slow.
Step 2: Let It Simmer
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The gift of using a slow cooker is having all those flavors develop with literally zero babysitting. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and starting to break apart.
Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
Now comes the part that transforms everything—grab your immersion blender (or use a regular blender in batches if you need to) and puree the soup right in the slow cooker. For the best texture, I like to keep some potato chunks for that rustic bite.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Goodness
Add the heavy cream and sour cream to the pot, stirring until the soup looks silky and inviting. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting until it’s just as you like it. This is when your Slow Cooker Potato Soup takes on its signature rich, satisfying flavor.
Step 5: Pile On the Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a shower of crispy bacon, a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Trust me, it’s the toppings that make every serving feel a little extra special!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Garnishes
For Slow Cooker Potato Soup, garnishes truly make the meal! Go classic with crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, or add a dollop of sour cream, fresh chives, cracked black pepper, or even a handful of parsley for a fresh twist. Each topping brings an extra layer of flavor and color that makes every bowl pop.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal by serving this soup with crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or a simple green salad. A warm roll is perfect for dunking into that creamy goodness, while a bright salad helps balance the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Slow Cooker Potato Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a dramatic (and delicious) touch, or serve in oversized mugs for cozy, casual get-togethers. For parties, offer a build-your-own toppings bar so everyone can customize their soup just the way they like it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Slow Cooker Potato Soup to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days and makes a fantastic grab-and-go lunch or dinner reheated later in the week.
Freezing
While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Just know that the creamy texture may change slightly after thawing. Let the soup cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Stir well after reheating to restore its smooth texture.
Reheating
Reheat Slow Cooker Potato Soup gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly. If it’s gotten a little thick, just add a splash of broth or milk until it’s back to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Potato Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and leave out the bacon. You’ll still get a rich, hearty soup that’s totally meat-free. Try adding smoked paprika or a little extra cheese for more depth if you’re skipping the bacon.
What’s the best potato to use for this soup?
Both Yukon Gold and russet potatoes work beautifully, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Yukon Golds are gold for their buttery flavor, while russets break down a bit more for extra creaminess.
Can I lighten up this recipe?
Yes, you can make a lighter version by swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The result is still comforting but with fewer calories.
Is Slow Cooker Potato Soup gluten-free?
It is! All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a safe choice for those avoiding gluten. Always check your broth’s label just in case.
How do I make it ahead for a crowd?
You can prep everything up to the blending step and hold it in the fridge overnight. On serving day, just heat gently in the slow cooker, blend, and stir in the creamy ingredients and toppings right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy, feel-good meals that require minimal effort, you owe it to yourself to whip up a pot of Slow Cooker Potato Soup. Beyond its incredible flavor and creamy texture, it brings people together around the table in a way only great comfort food can. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
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Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Potato Soup, a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. This easy recipe is a family favorite, featuring tender potatoes in a velvety broth topped with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Potato Soup:
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Additional Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Finish: Stir in heavy cream and sour cream. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg