Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup recipe. I can’t get enough of it!
The creamy texture and rich flavor hit the spot, especially on chilly days. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Just toss everything in your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
What I appreciate the most is how customizable it is. You can easily add your favorite toppings, like crispy bacon or fresh green onions, to make it even more delightful.
It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup
When it comes to cozy comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy cheesy potato soup. You know those days when the weather is miserable, and all you want is something to wrap your hands around? This soup is the answer.
It’s like a hug in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, the best part? You don’t have to spend hours slaving over a hot stove. Just pop everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the hard work while you kick back and relax. Sounds pretty great, right?
Now, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen southern-style diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen chopped onion, thawed (from a 12-oz. bag)
- 1 medium stalk celery, diced (1/2 cup)
- 3 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (8 ounce) bag shredded American-cheddar cheese (2 cups)
- 1/4 cup real bacon pieces (from a 2.8 oz. pkg)
- 4 medium green onions, sliced (1/4 cup)
Now, let’s talk a little about these ingredients. You might be wondering, can I substitute anything? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can skip it or use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
And for the cheese, if you prefer a sharper flavor, go ahead and grab some sharp cheddar. Oh, and if you have a dairy sensitivity, almond or oat milk can work in place of regular milk, though the texture might vary slightly.
It’s all about making this soup your own, so feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings or add-ins. Remember, cooking should be fun and reflect your own tastes!
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup
Making Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup is as easy as pie—well, maybe easier, since there’s no baking involved. First, grab your trusty 3- to 4-quart slow cooker and get ready to mix things up.
Start with 1 (32 ounce) bag of frozen southern-style diced hash brown potatoes. Just thaw them out, and dump them into the pot like you’re creating a cozy potato blanket. Then, toss in 1/2 cup of thawed frozen chopped onion (you can find these in a 12-ounce bag if you’re not keen on chopping onions and crying at the same time).
Next, add in a medium stalk of celery, diced, which should give you about 1/2 cup. This little addition not only adds flavor but also a nice crunch to your soup.
Now, here comes the good part—pour in 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water. This is going to create the warm, comforting base of your soup. Once everything’s in there, cover it up and set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Yes, that’s right—set it and forget it! You can go about your day, binge-watch your favorite show, or even take a nap.
When the time is up, it’s time to thicken it up. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of milk until smooth, and then stir this mixture into your potato medley. Crank up the heat to HIGH and cover it again for another 20 to 30 minutes. By this time, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort, and the mixture should thicken beautifully.
And what’s a cheesy potato soup without cheese? Stir in 1 (8 ounce) bag of shredded American-cheddar cheese, which is about 2 cups of cheesy goodness. Watch as it melts into the soup, making it creamy and irresistible.
Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and pepper if you feel like it needs a little something extra. When you’re ready to serve, don’t forget to garnish each bowl with 1/4 cup of real bacon pieces and some sliced green onions—about 4 medium ones should do the trick.
These toppings add that perfect touch of crunch and flavor. Now, grab a spoon and dig in—because you’ve just made a delightful bowl of creamy cheesy potato soup that’s sure to warm you up on even the gloomiest of days. Enjoy every comforting bite.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that cozy bowl of Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
I love adding different vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition and color. You can also swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version.
For a bit of heat, consider tossing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re a fan of different cheeses, try using pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar.
And if you want to make it heartier, throw in some cooked sausage or shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup
While enjoying a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup, I often find myself thinking about the perfect accompaniments to elevate the meal.
A crusty loaf of bread, like a baguette or sourdough, is always a great choice for dipping. I also love serving a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to add a revitalizing contrast.
For those who crave a bit more flavor, some roasted vegetables or garlic bread can make excellent side dishes. If I want to keep things cozy, I might even whip up some grilled cheese sandwiches to go alongside.
Each option complements the creamy soup, creating a delightful dining experience that warms both the heart and the belly.
Additional Tips & Notes
When enjoying Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup, a few additional tips can enhance your cooking experience. First, I recommend using fresh ingredients whenever possible, as they can elevate the flavor.
If you like a bit of kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. To make it even creamier, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk.
Don’t forget to taste your soup before serving; adjusting the seasoning can make a big difference!
Finally, this soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days, so feel free to make extra. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness!