Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Potato Soup with frozen potatoes is a fantastic dish to cook, especially for busy individuals and families. This recipe is designed to be simple and convenient, making it an ideal option for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The use of frozen diced hash browns means you can skip the prep work of peeling and chopping potatoes, saving you time and energy. Plus, this creamy and hearty soup is loaded with flavor, thanks to crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and savory spices. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying bowl of soup for lunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

In addition to being tasty, this soup is also versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry. You can add additional veggies, swap out the cheeses, or play around with the seasonings to create a dish that your family will love. Plus, making this soup in a crockpot means you can set it and forget it. Just let it cook while you go about your day.

How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup

Making Crockpot Potato Soup is simple and straightforward. You’ll combine the ingredients in a slow cooker, let it cook, and then enjoy the warm, comforting soup that comes out of the pot. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

Ingredients

1 pound bacon
8 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (two 2-pound bags)
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups chicken broth (48 ounces)
2 10-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into cubes)
1 cup heavy cream
Salt (to taste)
Sliced green onions or chives (for topping)

Directions

Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside.
Add the Potatoes: Place the frozen diced hash browns into the bottom of a Crockpot.
Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle the seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the potatoes.
Add the Broth and Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir until combined. Mix in about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
Cook the Base: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the cubed cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Cover and cook on high for another 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Season to Taste: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and sliced green onions or chives.

How to Serve Crockpot Potato Soup

Serving Crockpot Potato Soup is easy and delightful. You can serve this soup for any meal of the day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some tips on how to serve it:

Garnish Generously: Top each serving with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions or chives. This adds a nice color and freshness to your bowl of soup.
Serve with Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls. This creates a satisfying meal where you can soak up every bit of the creamy goodness.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding shredded chicken or ham to the soup before serving.
Make It a Meal: Serve along with a simple side salad to round out the meal.

How to Store Crockpot Potato Soup

Storing Crockpot Potato Soup is straightforward, and it keeps well for later use. Follow these guidelines:

In the Fridge: Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Again, let it cool down first, then place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Tips to Make Crockpot Potato Soup

Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience while making Crockpot Potato Soup:

Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender before adding the cheese and cream.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: If you’re watching your salt intake, use low-sodium chicken broth. You can always adjust the salt level later.
Add Extra Vegetables: If you want to boost the nutrition, consider adding carrots, celery, or even corn to the soup. Chop them finely and add them along with the potatoes.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.

Variation

If you’d like to try a variation of this recipe, consider the following options:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add toppings like sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green onions for a loaded baked potato experience!
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables and substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free option.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can! However, using fresh potatoes will require more prep time since you’ll need to peel and dice them. You’ll also need to adjust the cooking time, as fresh potatoes may take longer to become tender.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this soup healthier?

To make this soup healthier, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of heavy cream. You can also load it up with more vegetables to increase the fiber content.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you want a different flavor or need a substitute, consider using cream of mushroom or any other cream soup. You could also make a homemade version with milk, flour, and chicken bouillon.

How long will the soup last in the fridge?

Crockpot Potato Soup will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.

Now, gather your ingredients, fire up the crockpot, and enjoy a wonderful bowl of Crockpot Potato Soup! It’s a mouthwatering dish that will warm you up and satisfy your hunger.