As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup to hit the spot. And what better way to make it than in a slow cooker? This hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it method is perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and creamy potato soup in a slow cooker that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The Benefits of Making Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker
There are many benefits to making potato soup in a slow cooker. Here are just a few:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are perfect for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
- Easy to make: Potato soup is a relatively simple dish to make, and using a slow cooker makes it even easier. There’s no need to worry about constantly stirring the pot or monitoring the heat.
- Cost-effective: Slow cookers are a great way to cook cheaper cuts of meat, such as chuck roast or chicken thighs, which become tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking.
- Nutritious: Potato soup is a nutritious and filling meal that’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and several B vitamins, while the vegetables and lean protein add even more nutritional value.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make potato soup in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1-2 tablespoons butter or oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Soup ladle
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup diced cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making potato soup in a slow cooker:
- Chop the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrot, and celery: Finely chop the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrot, and celery. You can use a food processor or chop them by hand.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the potatoes, carrot, and celery: Add the chopped potatoes, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker: Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours: Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- Add the milk or cream: Stir in the milk or cream. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water.
- Add the shredded cheese (optional): If using, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of potatoes: You can use different types of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes, to change the flavor and texture of the soup.
- Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or sliced zucchini, to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different seasonings: You can use different seasonings, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder, to give the soup a unique flavor.
- Make it creamier: You can add more milk or cream to make the soup creamier, or use a mixture of milk and cream cheese for an extra-rich soup.
Conclusion
Making potato soup in a slow cooker is a great way to create a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a creamy and flavorful potato soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold winter’s day or a nutritious and filling meal for a busy day, slow cooker potato soup is a great option. So why not give it a try and see how delicious it can be?
What is the best type of potato to use for slow cooker potato soup?
The best type of potato to use for slow cooker potato soup is a high-starch potato, such as Russet or Idaho. These types of potatoes will break down and become tender during the long cooking time, creating a creamy and smooth texture in the soup. They also have a mild flavor that will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Using a high-starch potato is important because it will help to thicken the soup and create a hearty and comforting meal. If you use a waxy potato, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, they will hold their shape and create a chunky texture in the soup. While this can still be delicious, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a creamy and smooth potato soup.
Can I make slow cooker potato soup in advance?
Yes, you can make slow cooker potato soup in advance. In fact, this is one of the best things about slow cooker recipes – they can be prepared ahead of time and cooked while you’re busy with other things. You can prepare the ingredients and add them to the slow cooker in the morning, and then come home to a delicious and comforting meal.
If you want to make the soup even further in advance, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Then, in the morning, simply add them to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can also freeze the soup after it’s cooked and reheat it later for a quick and easy meal.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy in slow cooker potato soup?
To prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy in slow cooker potato soup, it’s best to use high-starch potatoes, as mentioned earlier. You should also be careful not to overcook the soup. If you cook the soup for too long, the potatoes will break down and become mushy.
Another way to prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy is to add them to the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time. This way, they will cook for a shorter amount of time and retain their texture. You can also try adding diced potatoes instead of sliced or chopped potatoes, as they will hold their shape better.
Can I add other ingredients to slow cooker potato soup to make it more flavorful?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to slow cooker potato soup to make it more flavorful. Some ideas include diced ham or bacon, chopped onions or garlic, diced bell peppers, and shredded cheese. You can also add different spices and herbs, such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary, to give the soup a unique flavor.
When adding other ingredients, be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. For example, if you add diced ham or bacon, you may need to add more liquid to the soup to prevent it from becoming too thick. You can also try adding a splash of milk or cream to give the soup a creamy texture.
How do I serve slow cooker potato soup?
Slow cooker potato soup can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it hot, garnished with chopped herbs or chives, and accompanied by a side of crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
If you want to make the soup more substantial, you can serve it with a side of salad or a sandwich. You can also try serving it in a bread bowl, which can be a fun and creative way to enjoy the soup. Whatever way you choose to serve it, slow cooker potato soup is sure to be a hit.
Can I make slow cooker potato soup in a smaller or larger batch?
Yes, you can make slow cooker potato soup in a smaller or larger batch. If you’re cooking for a small group, you can simply reduce the ingredients and cook the soup in a smaller slow cooker. If you’re cooking for a large group, you can increase the ingredients and cook the soup in a larger slow cooker.
When adjusting the batch size, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A smaller batch of soup may cook more quickly, while a larger batch may take longer to cook. You can also try freezing the soup in smaller batches, which can be a convenient way to enjoy the soup at a later time.
Is slow cooker potato soup a healthy meal option?
Slow cooker potato soup can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients you use. Potatoes are a good source of fiber and nutrients, and when paired with vegetables and lean protein, can make for a nutritious and filling meal.
However, if you add a lot of cream or cheese to the soup, it can become high in calories and fat. To make the soup healthier, try using low-fat dairy products or reducing the amount of cream and cheese you add. You can also try adding more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to increase the nutritional value of the soup.