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Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow cooker potato soup with tender potato chunks, creamy melted cheese, and a tangy sour cream topping. Cook low for hours for a thick, comforting texture that’s easy to customize with cheddar and bacon.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potato soup base
  • 3 lb russet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 garlic minced
  • 4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1.5 cup shredded cheddar
Topping
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup extra cheddar for topping
  • 0.25 cup bacon bits
  • 0.25 cup green onions sliced

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Method
 

Slow-cook the potatoes
  1. Add russet potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker.
  2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender, with the pot steaming and thickening.
Mash and melt the cheeses
  1. Use a potato masher to partially mash the soup to your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for a hearty texture.
  2. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until the cream cheese melts completely and the soup turns smooth and creamy.
  3. Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted, then taste and adjust seasoning so flavors are balanced.
Serve
  1. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, extra cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions for a colorful finish.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, don’t fully mash—leave some potato chunks so the soup stays hearty. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy can separate after thawing. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream and cream cheese for low-fat versions and expect a slightly less rich mouthfeel.