Slow cooker potato soup has become my absolute go-to for those nights when I want something incredibly comforting and fuss-free. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was a bit skeptical about using frozen hash browns, but oh my goodness, it’s a game-changer for achieving that perfect, creamy texture without all the chopping. The aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers is just divine – a mix of savory broth, rich cream cheese, and that hint of bacon and ranch. This recipe truly delivers the most wonderfully creamy slow cooker potato soup, and I just know you’re going to love it. Let’s get this deliciousness cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This recipe is a weeknight dream come true! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Minimal prep means less time in the kitchen.
- It’s an incredibly easy slow cooker potato soup to throw together.
- The frozen hash browns make it so convenient and creamy.
- It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- This is a truly simple crock pot potato soup that anyone can master.
- The combination of bacon and ranch seasoning is pure comfort food bliss.
- It’s versatile – easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
- The slow cooker does all the hard work for you!
Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Gathering your ingredients is the only real “work” you’ll do for this delightful dish! It’s packed with simple pantry staples that come together for a truly decadent result. The magic of this creamy slow cooker potato soup comes from a few key players:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen southern hash browns – no need to thaw, they cook right in!
- 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth – the savory base for our soup.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – this adds richness and helps create that signature velvety texture.
- 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese – softened, this is crucial for the ultra-creamy finish that makes this recipe so special.
- 1 bag (2.5 oz) bacon bits – for that irresistible smoky, salty flavor.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix – an easy way to add a burst of savory herbs and garlic.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – for a cheesy, gooey topping that’s pure comfort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Seriously, you’re going to be amazed at how simple this is. This recipe for how to make slow cooker potato soup requires almost no effort, just a few minutes of assembly. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without breaking a sweat.
- Step 1: Grab your slow cooker. I usually use my 6-quart model for this. Dump in the 32 oz bag of frozen southern hash browns – no need to thaw them, trust me!
- Step 2: Pour in the 32 oz carton of chicken broth. Then, add the 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup. This is where the magic starts to happen, as it begins to melt into a creamy base.
- Step 3: Unwrap and add the 8 oz bar of cream cheese. Break it up a bit as you drop it in. Next, add the 2.5 oz bag of bacon bits and the 1 oz packet of ranch seasoning mix.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in the 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Now, stir everything together really well until it’s all combined. You’ll see the cream cheese starting to break down, coating everything.
- Step 5: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your machine, but you’re looking for the hash browns to be tender and the soup to be bubbly and heated through. This is the beauty of potato soup in a slow cooker – it’s so forgiving!
- Step 6: Once it’s done, give it a good final stir. The soup should be wonderfully thick and creamy. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Potato Soup
Want to elevate your soup game? These little tips will ensure your homemade potato soup slow cooker is truly outstanding:
- Use frozen hash browns: They’re the secret weapon for achieving that perfect, creamy texture with minimal effort. No peeling or dicing required!
- Don’t skimp on the cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened before adding it to the slow cooker. This helps it melt smoothly into the soup, creating that luscious, velvety base.
- Stir occasionally: If you can, give the soup a stir halfway through cooking, especially if you’re using the HIGH setting. This helps everything meld together beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Broth and seasoning mixes can vary in sodium. Always taste your soup before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.
What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Potato Soup?
The real secret to the best Slow Cooker Potato Soup is using frozen hash browns! They break down beautifully, creating an unbelievably creamy texture without any extra work. It’s a simple trick that guarantees a rich and satisfying soup every time. For more tips on making delicious meals, check out these food tips.
Can I make Crock Pot Potato Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just be sure to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time on the morning you want to serve it.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Homemade Potato Soup Slow Cooker?
A common pitfall is overcooking if you use fresh potatoes; they can turn mushy. Stick to frozen hash browns for ease! Also, ensure your cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated to avoid any lumps. Lastly, don’t over-season initially, as broth and bacon bits add saltiness. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help prevent these issues; explore cooking techniques.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
This hearty soup is practically a meal in itself, but a few simple additions take it over the top. For a truly decadent experience, consider it a cheesy slow cooker potato soup by piling on extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions. The coolness of the sour cream and the sharpness of the onions cut through the richness beautifully. Don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping – it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a wonderful accompaniment, balancing out the soup’s comforting flavors. You can find great salad recipes at homemadehaven.net.
Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This hearty soup is packed with flavor and warmth. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, so you know exactly what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 489 kcal
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1788 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s nutrition labeling guide.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Potato Soup
This delightful soup is perfect for meal prep, and knowing how to store and reheat it properly ensures you can enjoy its comforting warmth anytime. Once your slow cooker potato soup has finished cooking, let it cool down slightly on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour before storing. For refrigeration, transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is a great option. Ladle the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Properly stored, your homemade potato soup slow cooker will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is simple. For refrigerated soup, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, follow the same reheating methods. While you *can* reheat potato soup in a slow cooker, it’s often best to reheat on the stovetop or microwave to ensure even heating and prevent scorching the dairy components. For more meal prep ideas, see meal prep strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker
What is slow cooker potato soup made of?
This particular slow cooker potato soup is primarily made with frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, bacon bits, and ranch seasoning mix. It’s a wonderfully simple combination that results in a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish. The beauty of making potato soup in a slow cooker is how these ingredients meld together over a few hours to create a hearty meal.
How to cook potato soup in a slow cooker?
To cook potato soup in a slow cooker, you simply combine all the main ingredients – like hash browns, broth, cream cheese, and seasonings – directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined, then cover and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until tender and heated through. It’s truly that easy!
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you prefer to use fresh potatoes for your homemade potato soup slow cooker, just make sure to peel and dice them into very small cubes, similar in size to frozen hash browns. This ensures they cook evenly and break down nicely to create that creamy texture we all love.
How do I make this a vegetarian slow cooker potato soup?
To make this a vegetarian delight, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of potato, cream of celery, or cream of onion soup instead of cream of chicken soup. Of course, omit the bacon bits or replace them with vegetarian bacon crumbles. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian slow cooker potato soup without any meat.
Variations of Slow Cooker Potato Soup You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize your slow cooker potato soup! If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian option, try a vegetarian slow cooker potato soup by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth and using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken. For a richer flavor profile, consider a bacon potato soup slow cooker by adding extra crispy bacon bits or even cooking some bacon right in the slow cooker with the potatoes. You can also create a delightful chicken potato soup slow cooker by adding shredded cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking time. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic, ensuring you can find your perfect slow cooker creamy potato soup recipe. For more recipe ideas, explore other recipes.
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Slow Cooker Potato Soup: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and creamy slow cooker potato soup made with frozen hash browns, broth, cream cheese, bacon bits, and ranch seasoning. It cooks low and slow for perfectly soft and seasoned results, making it a hearty and comforting meal for chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen southern hash browns
- 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 bar (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 bag (2.5 oz) bacon bits
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Add the frozen southern hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, bacon bits, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese into your slow cooker.
- Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Stir the soup and serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, and sour cream.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, blend 1/2 cup of the soup and return it to the slow cooker, or use a potato masher.
- You can blend some or all of the soup for a smoother texture. Use an immersion blender, a regular blender, or a potato masher.
- If using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into very small cubes, similar in size to frozen hash browns.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and cream of potato, cream of celery, or cream of onion soup. Omit bacon bits.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, depending on the sodium content of your broth and other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 489 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1788 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 73 mg