Hearty Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup: Slow Cooker Comfort (Print Version)

This Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe brings creamy, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort. A family favorite for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 Hours minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 6 cups)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

→ Flavor Builders

04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy & Thickener

07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided)

→ Garnish & Seasoning

09 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
10 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
11 - Sour cream (optional, for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, peel and dice those russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don't worry if they aren't perfectly uniform; some smaller bits will break down and help thicken the soup later, which is a happy accident! Then, finely chop your yellow onion. I usually get a little teary-eyed here, but it's worth it for the flavor. This prep work is essential for a fantastic Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe.
02 - In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter or a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and smells sweet, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter – I've done that, and it's a real bummer!
03 - Now for the easy part! Carefully transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into your slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. This is where you start to feel that warmth building, knowing a comforting Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe is on its way.
04 - Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Honestly, I usually go for the longer, slower cook; it just seems to develop more depth of flavor. You'll know it's ready when the potatoes practically fall apart when you poke them.
05 - Once the potatoes are tender, it’s time for the magic! Add the cream cheese, cubed, and about half of your grated cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Give it a good stir. I like to use a potato masher right in the pot to mash about a third of the potatoes against the side – this makes the soup wonderfully thick and creamy without needing extra thickeners. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and incorporated.
06 - Stir in the remaining cheddar cheese until it's melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt, some fresh cracked black pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling feisty! Ladle your rich, creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe into bowls. Top with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and maybe a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy that warm hug in a bowl!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip mashing some of the potatoes; it gives that authentic, hearty texture without flour!
02 - Forgetting to sauté the onions first makes the soup taste flat; that caramelization is key!
03 - Using full-fat cream cheese is non-negotiable for that truly rich, velvety finish.
04 - Add a splash of heavy cream at the very end with the cheese for an extra layer of luxuriousness; it's a game-changer!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Slow cooker (Crock Pot)
02 - large skillet
03 - potato masher
04 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 18g

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