Crock Pot Potato Soup With Cream Cheese Recipe

When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm and comforting, a hearty bowl of soup can be the perfect answer. But what if you could make that soup effortlessly, without needing to spend hours stirring pots on the stove? Enter the Crock Pot Potato Soup with Cream Cheese. This recipe brings the best of both worlds together: rich, creamy texture from the cream cheese and the soul-soothing flavors of potato soup, all done with the ease of a slow cooker.

Not only does this dish scream “comfort food”, but it also offers a wonderful balance of flavors, thanks to the combination of tender potatoes, savory spices, and velvety cream cheese. Plus, it’s a complete meal in itself or a fantastic side dish. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe has you covered.

Let’s dive in!

Crock Pot Potato Soup With Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create this creamy, flavorful potato soup, you’ll need the following:

• 4-5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped (optional, but adds a nice sweetness)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped (adds a nice crunch)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium if you prefer)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (you can substitute with cream for a richer taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (fresh thyme works too)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Crumbled bacon or bacon bits for topping (optional but highly recommended)
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

This is a great base to start with, but you’ll soon see that the magic is in the customization.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking!

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Peel and dice your potatoes into 1-inch cubes. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can chop them smaller.
   • Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrot and celery if you’re using them.

2. Set Up Your Crock Pot

   • Add the diced potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery (if using) into the slow cooker.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Give everything a good stir to make sure the veggies are submerged in the broth.

3. Slow Cooking

   • Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender enough to mash easily with a fork.

4. Finish It Off

   • Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes right in the Crock Pot for a thicker texture (leave some potatoes whole for a bit of chunkiness).
   • Add the softened cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is completely melted and smooth.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or garlic powder if needed.

5. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, green onions, or fresh parsley. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a little extra shredded cheese never hurts!

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a deeper look at some of the key ingredients that bring this soup to life:

• Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for potato soup because they break down well during slow cooking, giving the soup a creamy, hearty base. The starch in russets helps thicken the broth naturally without the need for any flour or thickening agents.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient takes the soup from basic to extraordinary. The cream cheese adds that velvety smooth texture and a rich, tangy flavor that balances out the potatoes and broth perfectly. It’s the secret ingredient for a luxurious soup that feels indulgent yet comforting.
• Cheddar Cheese: The cheese brings in a sharpness and savory depth, especially if you choose a sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and blends seamlessly with the cream cheese, enhancing the richness of the entire dish.
• Broth: Using chicken or vegetable broth as your base adds savory depth. Chicken broth is heartier and can give the soup a fuller flavor, but vegetable broth is a great option for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Bacon: Whether you crumble it on top or stir it in, crispy bacon adds an irresistible salty crunch. It contrasts nicely with the creamy soup and takes the flavor profile to the next level.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: If you’re making a larger batch, avoid overpacking your Crock Pot, as this can affect cooking time and the texture of the soup. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on maximum capacity.
• Add a Touch of Acid: A little squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can brighten up the flavor and cut through the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar. Try adding it just before serving for a fresh finish.
• Blend If You Like It Creamy: If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the Crock Pot. This will give you a more creamy, velvety consistency.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies, such as corn or leeks, for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful of how long they take to cook so everything comes out perfectly tender.
• Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will bring unique flavors to the soup.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can tweak it in many ways to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free version (there are many options available), and use vegetable broth. Replace the bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas for a crunchy topping.
• Loaded Potato Soup: Make it even more indulgent by loading it with extra toppings like sour cream, extra shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also top the soup with hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.
• Low-Carb/Keto: To make the soup keto-friendly, skip the potatoes and use cauliflower instead. The texture won’t be quite the same, but it will still deliver a creamy, comforting bowl of soup.

Final Words

There’s something magical about a meal that’s so simple to prepare but so satisfying to eat. This Crock Pot Potato Soup with Cream Cheese is the perfect example of comfort food at its finest. It’s a recipe that’s easy to customize, so you can make it your own based on what you have in the kitchen or what you’re craving.

The best part? You can set it up in the morning and come home to a bubbling pot of creamy goodness that requires little more than stirring and serving. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry family.