Introduction
There are few things more comforting than a bowl of warm, creamy potato soup on a cold or busy day. When life gets hectic, we all crave simple meals that don’t require a lot of work but still taste like something made from scratch with love. That’s exactly what this Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup brings to your table. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, yet surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re coming home after a long day at work or simply want a cozy meal for the weekend, this slow cooker soup is a lifesaver. It captures everything you love about a loaded baked potato and turns it into a warm bowl of comfort that practically cooks itself. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find, and the preparation is minimal. Once everything goes into the slow cooker, you can just walk away and let it work its magic.
The result is a thick and hearty soup filled with tender potatoes, melted cheese, savory broth, and a touch of cream. Add your favorite toppings like green onions, sour cream, or crispy bacon, and every spoonful becomes a little moment of joy. This recipe is also very customizable, so you can adjust it to fit your taste or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a delicious, filling, and easy-to-make soup, this Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup might just become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. You don’t need anything fancy to create rich flavors and creamy texture. All the ingredients work together to make this soup taste just like a baked potato with all the fixings.
Here is the complete list of what you’ll need.
Ingredients List
6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but adds great flavor)
1/2 cup chopped green onions for topping
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon for topping (optional)
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 6 medium | 520 |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | 15 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | 400 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | 120 |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | 200 |
| Green onions | 1/2 cup | 10 |
| Crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup | 200 |
| Salt, pepper, paprika | To taste | Negligible |
| Total per batch | 2390 calories |
Each batch serves about six people, which means every serving contains roughly 400 calories. This makes it a hearty and balanced meal you can enjoy without guilt.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup is incredibly simple. You just need to do a little prep work and let the slow cooker handle the rest. Here is how to make it step by step.
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If you are using bacon as a topping, cook it until crisp and crumble it for later.
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onions, garlic, chicken broth, butter, salt, pepper, and paprika into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low heat for about 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes should be very soft and easy to mash when it’s done.
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to gently mash them in the pot. For a smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the slow cooker. If you prefer it chunky, mash lightly and leave some texture.
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until the cheese melts and everything is smooth and creamy. Let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes on low.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions, more shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Read More: Simple and Tasty Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is super flexible and you can easily make it your own. Here are some ideas to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs.
If you want to cut down on calories, replace the heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein.
Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like corn, peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
This soup can be turned into a complete one-pot meal by adding cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or diced ham. Just stir it in during the final cooking stage.
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your soup a unique twist. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth without making it spicy.
For cheese lovers, you can mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to give it more flavor and stretchiness.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup is filling and nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re getting in a standard serving.
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
These numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used. If you’re tracking your macros or watching sodium, be sure to adjust accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is rich and creamy, so it’s best paired with something light and crunchy. A warm crusty bread roll or garlic toast is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Hosting a gathering? Set up a toppings station with shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, green onions, and sour cream. That way, everyone can build their bowl the way they like it.
If you have leftovers, the soup stores well in the fridge for up to four days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave. It also freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight before reheating.
Read More: The Best Hamburger Macaroni Soup for Chilly Nights
Conclusion
Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into real life. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and loved by just about everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner, a meal prep idea, or something warm and filling on a chilly day, this soup delivers every single time.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy the rich flavors of a loaded baked potato in soup form. Add your favorite toppings, make it your own, and enjoy every spoonful. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to come back to it again and again.