There is something especially comforting about a warm bowl of Potato Soup on a cool day. This version uses a simple homemade roux instead of canned cream of chicken soup, so you can pronounce every ingredient, adjust the seasoning to suit your family, and control the amount of salt. The slow cooker does most of the work while the potatoes become tender and the broth develops a rich, cozy flavor. Finish it with the roux for a creamy texture that feels indulgent without relying on condensed soup. It is an easy choice for weeknight dinners, relaxed weekends, potlucks, or any time you want a satisfying meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
Updated 11/06/2020 (left the skins off this time)
Can you cook raw potatoes in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Raw potatoes cook very well in a slow cooker, especially when they are cut into evenly sized pieces. Smaller cubes cook more quickly and uniformly, while larger chunks may need extra time. Keep the lid closed as much as possible because lifting it releases heat and can extend the cooking time. The potatoes are ready when a fork slides into the center without resistance. Slow-cooked potatoes work beautifully in soups, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and even simple baked-potato-style side dishes.
What is the best way to thicken potato soup.
A roux is a dependable way to thicken potato soup because it creates a smooth, creamy body and adds a subtle cooked-butter flavor. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook it briefly before slowly adding liquid; gradual mixing helps prevent lumps. For a naturally thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker, then stir them back in. If you are thickening another recipe with cornstarch, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1 cup of cold liquid until completely smooth, then add the mixture gradually. Give the soup time to simmer and thicken before adding more.
What is the best kind of potato to use for potato soup?
Waxy potatoes such as new potatoes, French fingerlings, Red Bliss, baby potatoes, and Red Adirondack hold their shape well during slow cooking and give the soup a pleasant bite. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option because their naturally buttery flavor and medium starch level create a creamy result without falling apart too quickly. Russet potatoes release more starch and produce a thicker, softer soup, but they can become crumbly if overcooked. You can also combine varieties—use waxy potatoes for texture and a starchier potato for body.
What is good with potato soup? Potato soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but a simple side can add freshness, crunch, or extra protein. Try one of these easy pairings:
- Sandwiches
- Chicken
- Rolls
- Biscuits
- Crackers
For a lighter contrast, serve the soup with a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette or a tray of roasted vegetables. A grilled cheese, turkey sandwich, or half sandwich makes the meal feel café-inspired. Warm dinner rolls, cornbread, biscuits, or garlic toast are ideal for dipping. For toppings, set out shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, sour cream, cracked black pepper, or crunchy croutons so everyone can customize their own bowl.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Potato Soup
- Cut consistently: Keep the potato pieces close to the same size so they finish cooking together. About 1-inch cubes are easy to spoon and sturdy enough for slow cooking.
- Season in layers: Start conservatively with salt, especially if your broth or toppings are salty. Taste again after adding the roux and adjust just before serving.
- Do not rush the roux: Cook the butter-and-flour mixture for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. Add the liquid slowly while whisking for the smoothest texture.
- Choose your texture: Leave all the potatoes chunky for a rustic soup, mash a portion for extra body, or briefly blend a small amount and stir it back in. Avoid over-blending, which can make potatoes gummy.
- Add dairy near the end: If you include milk, half-and-half, cheese, or sour cream, stir it in during the final stage and avoid a hard boil. Gentle heat helps keep the soup smooth.
- Wait on delicate toppings: Add herbs, green onions, bacon, and croutons at the table so they stay fresh and crisp.
If the soup seems too thick, stir in warm broth or milk a little at a time until it reaches the consistency you like. If it is too thin, mash more potatoes or let it cook uncovered briefly after adding the roux, if your slow cooker allows. A flat-tasting soup often needs a small final adjustment of salt and pepper rather than more dairy.
Fun Potato Facts
- Potatoes are tubers, which means the part we eat grows underground as a storage structure for the plant.
- The familiar “eyes” on a potato are buds that can sprout into new growth.
- Potato varieties differ in starch and moisture. That is why one variety stays firm in soup while another breaks down and thickens the broth.
- Leaving clean, tender skins on red or gold potatoes adds color and texture and saves preparation time. For a smoother, more uniform soup, peel them first.
- Potato soup is wonderfully flexible: a few toppings can take the same base from simple comfort food to a loaded baked-potato-style meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot in warmed bowls and finish each portion with a contrasting garnish. A sprinkle of cheese adds richness, fresh chives or green onions add color, and crisp bacon or croutons add texture. For a casual family dinner, create a topping bar and let everyone build their own bowl. When entertaining, offer smaller portions as a first course with a simple salad. For lunch, pair a cup of soup with half a sandwich or a few crackers. The soup also works well for game day or a potluck; keep it warm in the slow cooker on the appropriate warm setting and place the toppings nearby.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let leftovers cool slightly, then transfer them to shallow, covered containers and refrigerate promptly. Enjoy refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days. Because potatoes continue to absorb liquid, the soup may be thicker the next day; loosen it with a splash of broth or milk while reheating. Warm individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one, or reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Avoid a rapid boil, especially if the soup contains dairy.
You can freeze potato soup, but the texture may change: potatoes can become softer or slightly grainy, and dairy-based soups may separate. For the best result, freeze the soup before adding dairy or final toppings when possible. Use a freezer-safe container with a little room for expansion, label it, and use it within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and whisk well. If needed, add a small amount of fresh milk or broth to restore a creamy consistency. Do not freeze the soup with crunchy garnishes; add those fresh when serving.
Other soup ideas..
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Rock on!
~Bobbi
Crockpot Potato Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 Cups Water
- 5 Red Potatoes, Medium, Diced
- 1/2 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt (or less – as desired)
- 2 Tbsp Chicken "Better than Bouillon" base
- 1 Cup Onion, Diced
- 4 Tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Milk
- 6 Slices Bacon If desired
- Cheddar Cheese, Shredded If desired
- Green Onion, Chopped If desired
- Sour Cream If desired
Instructions
- Add water, diced potatoes, diced onions, onion powder, salt and chicken base to crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes to an hour before the potatoes are done, fry up your bacon and drain. Set aside to cool.
- When the potatoes are tender, start making the roux. Melt the butter in a skillet on med/low heat. (I reused my skillet I fried my bacon in after draining the grease) Slowly add the flour with a whisk. After the butter and flour are combined (it will be thick), add the milk, about a tablespoon at a time. Keep whisking until combined and thickened. This is what it should look like at this point.
- Start adding 1 cup of the broth from your potatoes. Add in slowly and continue to whisk.
- Repeat the above process 1 cup at a time until almost all of your broth is gone. I managed to get 3 cups of broth.
- Once the sauce is creamy, pour it back into the crockpot with the potatoes. Stir and you’re ready to serve.
- Add your desired toppings. Enjoy!!
Notes
Nutrition
i love potato soup I’m a big fan of soul food. Im gonna try this with a hamhock!
Chris recently posted…A dumpster rental in San Diego may be the best solution for you.
I bet that would give it some AWESOME flavor!! Thanks for the tip!!
I love potato soap, but I have never made mine in the Crockpot. I will have to give it a go! Thanks for linking up to Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays Linky Party. I have pinned your post to the Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest board.
Tammy @ creativekkids recently posted…Tasty Tuesdays: Peanut Butter Brookies + #Giveaway of Dessert Mash-Ups #AD
It’s pretty good 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try it!! Thanks for stopping by!
Have a great day 😉
Thanks for stopping by and for pinning it…much appreciated. Have a great day 😉
I need to use my crock pot more and this soup looks so good. My daughter thinks so too. I had her help me pick the Dare to Share Feature of the Day, and asked if we could try your recipe. 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up.
Pam recently posted…Crockpot Potato Soup – Feature of the Day
Thanks so much and I appreciate you picking it as a feature. Pass along my thanks to your daughter. Hope you get the chance to try it!!
Have a great day 😉
leave out those onions and I will be all over your crock pot potato soup! looks delish so pinning to save! thanks for sharing with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday!
Kristina and Millie recently posted…The Ultimate Virtual Cookie & Goodies Party And Giveaway Blogger Opp
I will leave the onions out…just for you!! Thanks for stopping by and much appreciate the pin!!
Have a great day 😉
I love baked potato soup but have never tried making it in a crockpot! What a great idea! Pinned!
Thanks for linking up at Merry Mondays!
Ida recently posted…YAY! It’s Friday!
Thanks so much and appreciate the pin 🙂 It’s yummy either way really!!
Have a great day!
Potato soup is way up there on the comfort food list. We have a slight cool down coming tonight…will warm back up, but I’m gonna take advantage of it.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Have a great day 😉
Thanks for linking up at the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party.
Monique recently posted…Make Your Own Felt Dinosaurs
I want a big bowl of this with some Halloween Trash Bars for dessert! Thank you for sharing these with us at Treasure Box Tuesday! Pinned ’em! 🙂
Joy @ Yesterfood recently posted…Treasure Box Tuesday 40
LOL…coming right up 🙂 Thanks Joy! Appreciate you stopping by. Love your party 😉
Have a great day!
Thanks so much for this recipe, Bobbi. I love soup recipes, especially the ones that cook in the crock pot all day. I think my family would love this with a little Frank’s Hot Sauce drizzled over the top before serving. Pinning now – thanks, again!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup recently posted…31 Things I Thank God For
You’re so welcome Heather. I appreciate you stopping by and checking it out and for sharing it 😉
Have a great day!
I love potato soup. Even better in the crockpot. Thanks for linking with us at The Yuck Stops Here. Hope to see you again this week.
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted…How to Carve the Perfect Pumpkin
Thanks Chrystal, for stopping by and taking the time to comment!! Much appreciated :
Have a great day!
Your potato soup sounds so warm and inviting. Perfect for the season. Thanks for sharing at #theWeekendSocial. Hope to see you Thursday 9:00 PM EST. I pinned your recipe. I also linked up to #WhatsScarier…
Thanks so much…appreciate you pinning it and taking the time to swing by and leave me a sweet comment!
Have a great day 🙂
My husband is a fussy eater but especially with soups but I thinks he’s gonna like this one! Yum, pinning!
Susen @ Dabbling Momma recently posted…Halloween Rock Garden
My hubs is like that too. He’s more of a meat and potatoes man. Very few soups and casseroles get past him. But he did like this one, so maybe your hubs will too 🙂
Thanks for coming by and thanks a bunch for pinning it!!
Have a great day!
Yay! I’m always looking for new crockpot recipes and I LOVE potato soup! Excited about this recipe! Pinning to try!
-Michelle @TheGraciousWife.com
Michelle @TheGraciousWife.com recently posted…Apple Brown Betty
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Thanks so much for pinning it 😉
I love Soup and your Crockpot Potato Soup looks awesome. Hope you are having a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing this awesome post with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Miz Helen recently posted…Whats For Dinner Next Week 10-5-14
Oh my goodness, another one! Ohhhhhhh I’ve got to have this. I’ve been looking for crock pot recipes! mmmmmmmm Don’t forget if you have time please come share them ALL!!! HEHEHEHEHE… well some anyways…. 🙂
XmasDolly recently posted…Recipes, Blast from the Past & Let’s be Friends!
I love making potato soup, but I have never made it in the crockpot. Sounds like I need to give it a try!!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life recently posted…Must Try Meals and #FoodieFridays no. 16
I just love potato soup…no matter how it’s cooked. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Have a great day 🙂
Oooh this sounds so good! I love a good soup recipe, and especially one that’s totally comfort food! Thanks for sharing at On Display Thursday!
Bre @ Average But Inspired recently posted…DIY Halloween Banner {A Dollar Bin Hack}
Thanks Bre! It was my pleasure. I appreciate you swinging on by and checking it out.
Have a great day 😉
This just screams fall comfort food to me! Yum!
Sarah recently posted…Forget The Budget And Start With You
Thanks so much Sarah!! Appreciate you stopping by and visiting!
Have a great day 😉
I love making soups on chilly fall days! I have to remember this in a week or two when it gets colder! Thanks for linking up!
miranda papandreou recently posted…Leapfrog: Counting on Lemonade
I just hope we get cooler in a week or two LOL. Thanks so much for stopping by and checking it out!
Have a great day!
This looks yummy!
Thanks so much 🙂
Have a great day!
I’m drooling, that bacon alone looks amazingly delish. Thanks for sharing! I’m sharing a new recipe today too. I hope your having a great Monday!
Leslie recently posted…Low Carb Bunless Burgers
I feel ya girl…bacon alone can make a girl drool 😉 Thank for swinging by and checking it out!
Have a great Monday too!