This Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup is the definition of comfort food—thick, velvety, and packed with cheesy goodness. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the potatoes break down into a rich, flavorful base while the cheddar cheese melts into pure perfection.
Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this soup is the perfect balance of creamy and savory. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or an easy meal for the whole family, this dish is guaranteed to warm you up on chilly nights.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Add diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to a slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or mash the potatoes with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
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Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
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Adjust seasoning if needed, then ladle into bowls.
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Top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
If you’re looking for the perfect bowl of comfort food, this Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup is just what you need! It’s thick, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. Just toss in your ingredients, let the magic happen, and come back to a rich, velvety soup that’s packed with flavor.
History of Potato Soup
Potato soup has been a staple comfort food for centuries, originating in European cuisine. Potatoes became widely available in the 16th century, and people started using them as an affordable, filling, and versatile ingredient in soups.
The combination of potatoes and cheese is thought to have evolved from French and Irish soups, where dairy was a popular ingredient. Today, loaded potato soups with toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions are popular worldwide!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Hands-Off – Just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Rich & Creamy – The combination of cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a luxuriously thick texture.
Family-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike, this soup is perfect for cozy family dinners.
Customizable – Easily adjust the flavors, add protein, or make it vegetarian.
Serving Suggestions
With Crusty Bread – Serve with a side of warm, buttered bread for a satisfying meal.
Alongside a Salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Extra Toppings – Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh chives for extra indulgence.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
🚫 Overcooking the Potatoes: If left too long, potatoes can become mushy and gummy. Stick to the recommended cooking times.
🚫 Adding Cheese Too Early: Cheese should be added at the end to prevent it from separating or turning grainy.
🚫 Skipping the Blending Step: If you want a smooth, creamy soup, use an immersion blender instead of leaving big chunks.
🚫 Not Seasoning Properly: Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end.
Creative Variations of the Recipe
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations!
Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Add sour cream, extra cheese, and chopped chives for a “baked potato” feel.
Spicy Cheesy Potato Soup – Stir in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or jalapeños for a kick.
Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup – Toss in steamed broccoli for added nutrition.
Ham & Cheddar Soup – Replace bacon with diced ham for a smoky, hearty twist.
Dairy-Free Potato Soup – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version – Substitute cauliflower for potatoes and use cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
Best Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Using the right kitchen tools can make this recipe even easier!
✔ Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – The heart of this dish! A 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe.
✔ Immersion Blender – The easiest way to make the soup creamy without transferring to a blender.
✔ Ladle – For easy serving.
✔ Cheese Grater – Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
✔ Potato Masher – If you like a chunkier texture.
✔ Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – For dicing the potatoes evenly.
How to Make This Soup in an Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker Version!)
Want a faster way to make this soup? Use an Instant Pot!
Steps:
1️⃣ Add potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and seasonings to the Instant Pot.
2️⃣ Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Quick-release the pressure, then blend the soup with an immersion blender.
4️⃣ Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until smooth.
5️⃣ Garnish with bacon and green onions, then serve!
⏳ Total Time: 20-25 minutes instead of 6+ hours!
How to Serve This Soup in a Bread Bowl
Want to make this meal extra special? Serve it in a crispy bread bowl!
How to Make a Bread Bowl:
1️⃣ Use sourdough or a round bread loaf.
2️⃣ Cut off the top and hollow out the inside with a spoon.
3️⃣ Brush the inside with butter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to make it crispy.
4️⃣ Pour your soup inside, garnish, and enjoy!
Fun Toppings & Mix-Ins
Make every bowl customizable with fun toppings:
Cheese Options: Parmesan, Gouda, Swiss, or Pepper Jack
Crunchy Additions: Bacon bits, croutons, fried onions
Fresh Herbs: Chives, parsley, cilantro
Spicy Kick: Hot sauce, red pepper flakes, chipotle powder
Creamy Additions: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado slices
How to Make This Soup Kid-Friendly
Picky eaters at home? Here are some tricks to make kids love this soup:
Blend it smooth – A silky texture makes it easier for little ones to enjoy.
Extra cheese – More cheese makes everything tastier!
Sneak in veggies – Blend in carrots or cauliflower without them noticing.
Fun toppings – Let kids add their own cheese, crackers, or bacon bits.
The Science Behind What Makes This Soup So Creamy
Ever wonder why potato soup is naturally creamy without much added dairy? It’s because of starch!
🔬 How It Works:
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As potatoes cook, they release natural starch, which thickens the soup.
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Blending the potatoes releases more starch, making the soup velvety.
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Adding cream at the end prevents curdling and keeps the texture smooth.
Pro Tip: If your soup is too thick, add extra broth. If it’s too thin, blend more potatoes!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Soup
Make it a complete meal with these perfect pairings!
Main Course Pairings:
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Grilled chicken
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Roast beef sandwiches
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BBQ pulled pork sliders
Light Side Dishes:
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Caesar salad
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Garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts
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Cucumber & tomato salad
Bread Pairings:
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Garlic knots
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Cheesy biscuits
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Buttery dinner rolls
How to Make This Soup for a Crowd
Serving this soup at a party or family gathering? Here’s how to scale up!
✔ Double the Recipe – Use a larger slow cooker (8-quart) to make twice as much.
✔ Serve in a Soup Bar – Set up a toppings station with different cheeses, croutons, and bacon bits.
✔ Keep It Warm – Use a slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting so guests can serve themselves.
Can You Use Frozen or Canned Potatoes?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use:
Frozen diced potatoes – Works great! No need to thaw, just dump them in.
Canned potatoes – Drain & rinse before using. They cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Fun Facts About Potato Cheese Soup
🥔 Potatoes are 80% water, which is why they make a smooth, hydrating soup.
🧀 Cheddar cheese melts better when grated fresh, because pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
🥓 Bacon adds umami (savory depth), making the soup taste even richer.
💛 The first recorded potato soup recipe dates back to the 1600s in Europe!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, dairy-based soups may have a slightly different texture when thawed. Stir well after reheating to restore creaminess.
Conclusion:
Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, simplicity, and rich flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night at home, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. With its velvety texture, cheesy goodness, and customizable toppings, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
By following the tips in this guide—whether it’s making it in an Instant Pot, or serving it in a bread bowl —you can create a version that fits your taste and lifestyle. Plus, with its hearty, satisfying ingredients, it’s a dish that will warm you up on chilly days and keep you full and happy.
So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!