Tillie Doyle
A hearty bowl of potato soup is a great way to warm up on cold days. This simple, creamy soup is made even easier in a crock pot, requiring minimal preparation and leaving you with a comforting meal at the end of the day. With a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a delicious, thick soup that will satisfy the whole family. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to adjust the thickness and flavour to your preference. So, if you're looking for a comforting, tasty meal that's both easy and satisfying, read on to learn how to cook potato soup in a crock pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Soup |
| Cuisine | American |
| Main Ingredients | Potatoes, Bacon, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Flour, Milk, Salt, Pepper |
| Other Ingredients | Cheese, Sour Cream, Chives, Chicken Broth/Stock, Parsley, Celery, Carrots, Chili Powder |
| Cookware | Crock Pot/Slow Cooker |
| Cook Time | 3-8 hours |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Yield | 8 servings |
| Calories | 433kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 4mg |
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Ingredients and prep
To make potato soup in a crock pot, you'll need a crock pot or slow cooker, and a variety of fresh ingredients. The ingredients you'll need include potatoes, onion, garlic, butter, flour, milk, and seasoning. You can also add bacon, cheese, and herbs for extra flavour.
For the potatoes, it is recommended to use Yukon gold potatoes, but any waxy potato, such as red potatoes, russet potatoes, or carola, can be used as a substitute. You will need to peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. The amount of potato you use will depend on your preference for soup thickness; using larger potatoes or adding extra potatoes will result in a thicker soup.
For the onion, you can use a yellow onion, or substitute with a white or red onion. Chop the onion into small pieces. You can also add minced garlic, which you can increase the amount of for a stronger flavour.
If you are including bacon in your soup, it is recommended to cook it first, either by frying or microwaving, and then chop it into small pieces. You can also use the bacon grease to caramelize the onions before adding them to the soup, which will add extra flavour.
To add creaminess to the soup, you can make a roux by melting butter and whisking it together with flour. You can then whisk in evaporated milk or regular milk to create a thick gravy-like mixture. This can be added to the crock pot towards the end of the cooking process.
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Cooking method
To make potato soup in a crock pot, you'll need a crock pot or slow cooker, potatoes, butter, flour, evaporated milk, and chicken or vegetable stock. You can also add in bacon, onion, garlic, and seasoning to taste.
First, chop up your potatoes (Yukon golds are recommended), onion, and bacon. Fry the bacon and onion in a pan, then add to the crock pot with the potatoes. Add in your chicken or vegetable stock, and any other vegetables you want to include, such as garlic, celery, or carrots. Season with salt and pepper, or other spices like Italian seasoning or onion powder.
Cook on a low setting for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender. Once cooked, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk, and cook over low heat until the mixture thickens. Add this to the crock pot and stir to combine.
If you want a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash up some of the potatoes. You can also add in cream, cheese, and chives, and top with bacon and more cheese. Serve with a side salad and crusty bread.
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Consistency
The consistency of potato soup can vary depending on the type and size of potatoes used, as well as the cooking method. For a thicker soup, it is recommended to use large potatoes or add a few more than the recipe calls for. Conversely, for a thinner soup, simply stir in more liquid such as chicken broth, milk, or a combination of the two, until the desired consistency is achieved.
When it comes to cooking the soup in a crockpot, the cooking time and temperature will also affect the consistency. Most recipes recommend cooking the soup on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. However, it is important to note that the longer the soup cooks, the more liquid the potatoes will absorb, which can result in a thicker consistency. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on the soup and adjust the liquid levels as needed.
To further adjust the consistency, some recipes suggest using a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes, while leaving some unmashed for texture. This technique helps to thicken the soup while still maintaining some chunkiness. Additionally, creating a roux by melting butter and whisking it with flour to form a thick gravy-like mixture can be added to the crockpot to thicken the soup further.
Another option for thickening potato soup is to use instant mashed potatoes or potato flakes. This is a quick and easy way to adjust the consistency without having to cook additional potatoes. Simply stir in the instant mashed potatoes until the desired thickness is achieved.
Finally, the type of potato used can also impact the consistency of the soup. Waxy potatoes such as Yukon Gold, red potatoes, russet potatoes, or Carola are commonly used and provide a creamy texture. However, russet potatoes are noted to be starchier and may thicken the soup more effectively.
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Serving suggestions
Crock-pot potato soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
Toppings and Sides
Crock-pot potato soup can be served with a variety of toppings and sides to enhance its flavour and texture. Some popular choices include:
- Bacon
- Cheese (especially sharp cheddar or smoked gouda)
- Chives or green onions
- Sour cream
- Ham
- Hot sauce
- Homemade croutons
- Cornbread muffins
- Garlic Parmesan rolls
- A chopped salad
Bread Bowls
For a heartier meal, serve the soup in a bread bowl. Sourdough bread bowls are a perfect choice for a cold night, providing a warm and comforting meal.
Customizable Toppings Bar
If you're serving a large group, consider setting up a toppings bar. Line up different cheeses, bacon, ham, hot sauce, sour cream, and chopped herbs, and let your guests customize their bowls of soup. This way, everyone can create their own favourite version of the soup.
Variations
You can also experiment with different ingredients to create variations of the soup:
- Use whipping cream or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add cooked ground sausage for a hearty option.
- Include vegetables like bell peppers or chopped broccoli.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omit the bacon.
- For a vegan version, replace dairy milk with a plant-based alternative and omit dairy toppings.
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Storage
Storing your potato soup correctly will ensure that it stays edible and tasty for longer. If you've made a big batch of soup, you might want to freeze it for a later date. Potato soup can be frozen, but it may become a broken, grainy mess once thawed due to the starchy potatoes turning mushy. To avoid this, opt for a soup recipe with puréed potatoes instead of chunks. You can also add toppings such as bacon bits, shredded cheese, or herbs to add freshness and depth of flavor to your soup after thawing it.
To freeze potato soup, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers or doubled-up freezer bags. Press out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to avoid freezer burn. You can divide the soup into individual portions before freezing if you like. Label the containers with the date, and store for up to three months.
To thaw frozen potato soup, place the container in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. If you used a freezer bag, place it on a plate or a small rimmed baking sheet in case of leaks. You can also thaw the soup in the microwave if your container is microwave-safe, but if you're adding dairy, it's better to use the stovetop for reheating.
If you plan to eat your potato soup within a few days, you can store it in the refrigerator. Homemade potato soup will last in the fridge for up to five days if stored properly. Keep it in airtight containers with secure lids, and maintain a consistent temperature to avoid spoilage. Use a covered glass storage container instead of plastic, and always use clean utensils when serving to avoid cross-contamination. Check for signs of spoilage after three or four days, and discard the soup if you see any mold or notice a sour taste or unusual flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Waxy potatoes such as Yukon gold potatoes are recommended, but any waxy potato can be used as a substitute, including red potatoes, russet potatoes, and carola.
You will need butter or bacon grease, flour, evaporated milk, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. You can also add in cooked bacon, yellow onion, garlic, parsley, and cheese.
It takes 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High for the potatoes to become fork-tender.
You can use a potato masher to mash up some of the potatoes in the soup. Alternatively, you can create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour and evaporated milk, then add this mixture to the crock pot.
Yes, you can add in vegetables such as carrots, celery, and any other chopped veggies of your choice.
