Creamy Crockpot Potato Bliss

$- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup fresh kale, finely chopped (optional) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh chives for garnish I love using fresh ingredients for this soup. The russet potatoes are creamy and hearty. They add a nice texture. The onion and garlic create a strong base. When they cook, they fill your kitchen with a warm aroma. I often choose low-sodium vegetable broth. This helps control the saltiness of the soup. The cream or coconut milk makes it rich and velvety. If you want a dairy-free option, go with coconut milk. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a bold flavor. It melts beautifully into the soup. The fresh kale is optional, but I like to add it. It gives the soup a pop of color and extra nutrients. Thyme and smoked paprika bring warmth and depth. They enhance the overall flavor. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh chives make a lovely garnish. They add a nice touch of freshness. Gather all these ingredients before you start. It makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Dice them into small, even cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Next, finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves to get a strong flavor. These steps set the base for your soup. In your crockpot, layer the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir the mix gently. This step ensures all the ingredients blend well together. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. These herbs give the soup a warm and inviting flavor. They enhance the taste of the potatoes wonderfully. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are done when they are soft enough to pierce with a fork. This makes the soup rich and hearty. Once the cooking time is up, grab a potato masher. Gently mash some potatoes in the soup. This creates a creamy texture while leaving some chunks whole. It makes every spoonful exciting and tasty. Now, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Add the shredded cheddar cheese next. If you want, mix in finely chopped kale at this point. It adds color and nutrition to the soup. Let the soup cook on low for another 15-30 minutes. Stir occasionally. This step ensures everything heats through. The cheese will melt nicely into the soup, creating a creamy delight. Before serving, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This step makes sure the flavors are just right. Enjoy your delicious and creamy potato soup! If you need a dairy-free soup, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This adds a creamy touch without dairy. For cheese, try a dairy-free alternative. You can also swap out sharp cheddar for a milder cheese if needed. Want more flavor? Add extra spices like garlic powder or onion powder. They boost taste without extra effort. Fresh herbs can make a big difference. Chives add a nice crunch and mild onion taste. Try adding parsley or dill for a fresh kick. If you like heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix and match herbs and spices to suit your taste! A good crockpot is key for this soup. Look for one with a timer. This helps you cook the soup perfectly. A potato masher is great for mashing the potatoes. If you like a smoother texture, use an immersion blender. A sharp knife and cutting board make chopping easy. These tools will help you whip up this creamy delight with ease! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs as they enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more vegetable broth before serving to achieve your desired consistency. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as rosemary or chili flakes, for a personal touch. Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick meal. {{image_4}} To make a vegan version of this soup, you can easily swap out a few key ingredients. For the cream, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. This gives you that creamy texture without dairy. For cheese, choose a dairy-free alternative that melts well. You won’t lose flavor this way! - Dairy-Free Cream: Use coconut milk or almond milk. - Cheese Alternative: Use a vegan cheese that melts. - Broth: Ensure your vegetable broth is free from animal products. If you crave extra flavors, try making a loaded potato soup. You can add crispy bacon, which gives a nice crunch. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while green onions bring freshness to each bite. This version is hearty and filling. - Bacon: Cook and crumble over the soup. - Sour Cream: Add a scoop for richness. - Green Onions: Sprinkle on top for a fresh kick. For those who love heat, consider adding a spicy twist to your potato soup. You can mix in jalapeños for a kick. Hot sauce is another great option. Just a few drops can transform your soup into something exciting. - Jalapeños: Chop and stir in for heat. - Hot Sauce: Add to taste for a spicy kick. - Pepper: Use fresh ground black pepper for more spice. These variations let you customize your crockpot potato soup to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors! To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Then, pour it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track its freshness. When you're ready to enjoy it again, open the lid carefully to avoid spills. If you want to save the soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the flavors intact. To reheat, you have a few choices. You can use the stove or microwave. For the stove, pour the soup into a pot and heat on low. Stir it often to avoid burning. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Always check the temperature before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort! To thicken potato soup, try these tips: - Mash some of the potatoes in the soup. - Add a slurry of cornstarch and water. - Stir in more cream or cheese. - Use less broth when cooking. These methods boost the soup's texture. Mashing potatoes gives a creamy feel while keeping some chunks for bite. Yes, you can use different potatoes! Here are some great options: - Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery flavor. - Red potatoes hold their shape well. - Fingerling potatoes bring a unique look. Each type offers a new taste. Just remember to peel and dice them for even cooking. Leftover potato soup will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. Absolutely! Making soup ahead is easy. You can cook it a day or two before serving. Just let it cool, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This will save you time on busy days! This blog post shows you how to make a tasty potato soup. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great flavor. You learned how to adapt the recipe with substitutions and variations. You also found answers to common questions about storage and texture. Now, gather your tools and give this soup a try. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of homemade potato soup!$

A comforting and creamy potato soup made in a crockpot, perfect for a cozy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free option
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or a dairy-free alternative for vegan option)
1 cup fresh kale, finely chopped (optional but adds nutrition and color)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
to taste fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into uniform cubes. Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves to ensure a full-flavored base.
Combine in the Crockpot: In the crockpot, layer the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper. This will infuse the broth with a warm, aromatic essence that beautifully complements the potatoes.
Set the Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Mash for Texture: Once the cooking time is up, take a potato masher and gently mash some of the potatoes directly in the soup, while leaving some chunks intact for a delightful texture contrast.
Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and the shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using kale, mix it in now so it can wilt and blend with the other ingredients.
Final Heating Step: Allow the soup to cook on low for an additional 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the cheese has melted seamlessly into the soup.
Taste Test: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This step ensures the flavors are just right!

Notes

Serve hot with fresh chives and crusty bread for dipping.

Keyword comfort food, creamy, crockpot, potato soup