ingredients needed for potato soup
To create a comforting and creamy potato soup in your crock pot, you’ll need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:
- Potatoes: 6 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes for even cooking.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped to add depth of flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced for a subtle aromatic touch.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups of broth to create the base of the soup. Choose low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich and velvety texture.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to enhance the creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Bacon: 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory topping.
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish and a fresh pop of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the soup to perfection.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to move on to preparing your potato soup in the crock pot. Each component plays a role in creating a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
step-by-step crock pot instructions
Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to bring them together in your crock pot to create a delicious, creamy potato soup. Follow these simple steps to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by adding the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the liquid covers the potatoes completely. This will allow the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Step 2: Season and Start Cooking
Season the mixture with a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Stir everything together gently, then cover the crock pot with its lid. Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The potatoes should be fork-tender by the end of the cooking time.
- Step 3: Blend for Creaminess
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the crock pot until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only a portion of the mixture and leave some potato pieces intact. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, then return it to the crock pot.
- Step 4: Add the Creamy Elements
Stir in the heavy cream and butter, allowing them to melt and incorporate fully into the soup. This step adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the soup and stir until it melts completely, creating a luscious, cheesy base. At this point, your potato soup is ready to serve, but don’t forget the toppings for an extra layer of flavor.
With these steps, your crock pot will do most of the work, leaving you with a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup that’s perfect for any meal. Next, we’ll explore how to serve and store your soup to make the most of this hearty dish.
tips for serving and storing
Serving your potato soup is an opportunity to get creative and elevate the dish with delicious toppings and thoughtful presentation. Start by ladling the warm, creamy soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a balanced mix of the rich, cheesy base and any remaining potato chunks. For a classic finish, sprinkle crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions on top. These toppings not only add flavor but also provide a delightful contrast in texture and color.
If you’re serving the soup as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying dining experience. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also be offered on the side for guests who enjoy a tangy or spicy kick.
When it comes to storing leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
For longer storage, potato soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly due to the cream and potatoes. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label and date the containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and stir well to recombine any separated ingredients.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your potato soup fresh out of the crock pot or as a convenient, comforting meal later in the week. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a make-ahead option for busy days, this soup is sure to be a hit every time.