There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup on a chilly day—especially when it’s loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings. This Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cozy homemade goodness, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off: Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Creamy & Cheesy: Packed with tender potatoes, velvety broth, and gooey melted cheese.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like bacon, green onions, or sour cream.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup
*(Serves 6-8)*
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions or chives
- Sour cream
- Extra shredded cheese
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes & Onions
- Peel and dice the russet potatoes into small, even cubes (about ½-inch thick).
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Add the diced potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, stirring to combine.
- Season with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
- Low & Slow (Recommended): Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Fast Method: Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess (Optional)
- Once potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or immersion blender to slightly thicken the soup (leave some chunks for texture).
- Alternatively, transfer 1-2 cups of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, then stir back in.
Step 5: Add Cheese & Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, extra cheese, or sour cream.
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Potato Soup
✔ Use Russet Potatoes: They break down nicely, creating a creamy texture.
✔ Don’t Overblend: Leave some potato chunks for a hearty bite.
✔ Thicken if Needed: If the soup is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir in.
✔ Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for extra kick.
✔ Store & Reheat: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Top with extra bacon, sour cream, and chives.
- Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets.
- Ham & Cheese Version: Swap bacon for diced ham.
- Vegetarian Option: Use veggie broth and omit bacon.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect meal for busy days or lazy weekends. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!