Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy bowl of Crockpot Potato Soup to bring comfort on a chilly day. With the convenience of frozen hashbrowns, this soup comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, delivering a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal. Every spoonful is loaded with tender potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. This soup is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile! Customize it with your favorite toppings like extra shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added depth of flavor. Whether served as a hearty main dish or alongside crusty bread, this crockpot potato soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 32 oz frozen hashbrowns
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 32 oz chicken broth (adjust for thickness)
• 6-8 slices bacon, precooked and crumbled (or diced ham)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Pour the bag of frozen hashbrowns into the slow cooker.
2. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and bacon bits, then stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours (recommended) or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if using high heat.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and 1.5 cups of shredded cheese to thicken and warm the soup.
5. Serve hot, topped with the remaining ½ cup of cheese, extra bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives or green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5-6 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high) | Total Time: ~6 hours
Kcal: 418 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow-cooker potato soup is perfect for busy schedules. It requires very little prep work—just dump the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and let it cook. The result is a thick, creamy, cheesy soup packed with flavor from cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and rich cream. Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:

• Minimal Prep Work: Unlike traditional potato soups that require peeling and chopping, this version uses frozen hashbrowns, saving time and effort.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: Cooking the soup low and slow allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
• Family-Friendly: This soup is a hit with both kids and adults. The cheesy, savory flavor is something everyone will love.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve it with sour cream, green onions, extra cheese, or crispy bacon to make every bowl unique.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day.

The Magic of Using Frozen Hashbrowns

One of the best time-saving hacks in this recipe is using frozen hashbrowns. Many potato soup recipes require fresh potatoes, which means peeling, dicing, and cooking them until tender. However, frozen hashbrowns eliminate this extra work while still delivering the creamy texture you expect from a traditional potato soup.

Frozen hashbrowns are simply pre-shredded potatoes that have been blanched and frozen. They cook perfectly in a slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth, cheese, and seasonings. By using this shortcut, you can enjoy homemade potato soup with half the effort.

Flavor Enhancements and Variations

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and add-ins to elevate the dish:

1. Add More Vegetables

If you want to increase the nutritional value of the soup, consider adding extra vegetables such as:

• Carrots – Adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast.
• Celery – Enhances the savory depth of the soup.
• Broccoli – Complements the cheesy flavor and provides extra texture.
• Corn – Brings a touch of natural sweetness and crunch.

2. Experiment with Different Cheeses

Cheddar cheese is the classic choice for potato soup, but you can mix things up by incorporating different types of cheese:

• Pepper Jack – Adds a bit of spice for a subtle kick.
• Gouda – Creates a smoky, rich flavor.
• Parmesan – Enhances the umami taste with its nutty notes.

3. Swap the Protein

Instead of bacon, you can try:

• Ham – Diced leftover ham works beautifully in this soup, adding a slightly sweet, smoky taste.
• Sausage – Crumbled breakfast sausage or Italian sausage gives a meaty, hearty bite.
• Rotisserie Chicken – Shredded chicken makes the soup even more filling.

4. Make It Spicy

If you like a bit of heat, consider these spicy additions:

• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• Diced jalapeños for a fiery crunch

What to Serve with Crockpot Potato Soup

This soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by pairing it with complementary sides:

• Crusty Bread: A fresh baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A melty, buttery grilled cheese takes comfort food to the next level.
• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Add an extra layer of indulgence with warm, buttery breadsticks.

Tips for the Best Potato Soup

To make sure your potato soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use the Right Slow Cooker Temperature – Cooking on low for 5-6 hours is ideal for developing deep flavors, but if you’re short on time, high for 3-4 hours works too.
2. Stir Occasionally – If cooking on high, give the soup an occasional stir to prevent sticking.
3. Add Dairy at the End – To avoid curdling, always add heavy cream and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Adjust Thickness – If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, mix in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with a little water) to thicken it up.
5. Let It Rest – Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving to help it thicken naturally.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors intensify the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may have a slightly different texture after thawing. Stir well before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain the creamy texture. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming up.

Conclusion:

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Hashbrowns is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave a hearty, comforting meal without the hassle of chopping fresh potatoes. With its rich, creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and cheesy goodness, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it on a cold winter night, serve it at a gathering, or make it ahead for meal prep, this slow-cooker recipe is always a winner.