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Creamy Crockpot Cheddar Potato Soup

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This creamy, velvety cheddar potato soup is made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for hosting or a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s a crowd-pleasing starter that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4–5 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your potatoes: Peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to crockpot.
  3. Layer ingredients in crockpot: Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Add cream cheese: Once potatoes are tender, add softened cream cheese and stir until mostly melted.
  6. Partially mash soup: Use a potato masher to gently mash about half the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for a smoother soup.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar: Turn crockpot to WARM or off. Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, and extra cheddar if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Shred your own cheddar cheese for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make soup grainy. Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation. For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes or let cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes. For a thinner soup, add a splash of warm broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy potato soup, cheddar potato soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, easy soup recipe, starter soup, comfort food, party soup

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/creamy-crockpot-cheddar-potato-soup-best-starter-ever/