Warm up your kitchen and your heart with a bowl of Crock Pot Cheesy Potato Soup! This creamy, cheesy delight is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of potatoes, onions, and melted cheddar wafting through the air after a long day. With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you'll be savoring this deliciously hearty soup in no time. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s not only easy to make but will also have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion, creating small, consistent pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the soup.
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Add the diced potatoes and chopped onions to the bottom of the crock pot, creating an even layer.
- Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes and onions, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika over the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the soup to cook slowly for 6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to partially mash some potatoes, creating a thicker consistency.
- Stir in the heavy cream, blending it thoroughly into the soup.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
Tips
- Uniform Potato Size: For even cooking, make sure to dice your potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: Don’t skip on seasoning! Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to suit your palate. A little extra garlic powder or paprika can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- Creamy Consistency: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will create a rich, velvety texture that complements the cheesy goodness.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique twist.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your soup presentation by garnishing with extra cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits. It adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color!
- Make it Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 70mg
