The Best Crockpot Potato Soup

This best crockpot potato soup is one of those recipes that makes weeknight cooking feel like a warm hug. It’s creamy, loaded with bacon, and turns simple pantry staples into something truly special. If you’ve been searching for an easy slow cooker meal that delivers big on comfort and flavor, you’re in the right place.

I remember the first time I made potato soup in my crockpot on a busy school night. The house smelled amazing all afternoon, and when we finally sat down to eat, my kids devoured their bowls and asked for seconds. This recipe has become my go-to when I need something hearty, delicious, and completely hands-off. The best part? You can prep everything in about 15 minutes, toss it in the slow cooker, and come home to a pot of creamy, dreamy soup that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This easy crockpot potato soup combines tender Yukon Gold potatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese for a bowl of pure comfort food magic.

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Slow Cooker Soup

I always use Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe because they have a naturally buttery flavor and hold their shape beautifully without getting mushy. Pro tip: if you want to save even more time, chop your potatoes and onions the night before and store them in the fridge.

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I recommend shredding from a block for better melting)
• ½ cup sour cream
• Sliced green onions for garnish

How to Make the Best Crockpot Potato Soup

I recommend cooking the bacon separately first so it stays crispy instead of getting soggy in the soup. Trust me, this extra step makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.

Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside. The bacon should be golden brown and crunchy.

Step 2: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and cooked bacon into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork and they’re tender throughout.

Step 4: About 30 minutes before your cooking time is complete, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and let it cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken your potato soup beautifully.

Step 5: Gradually whisk the milk into the roux, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency, about 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully and don’t let it boil too hard or it might scorch.

Step 6: Pour the roux mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine everything. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot until you reach your desired soup thickness. I like to leave some chunks for texture, but mash about half of the potatoes for the perfect thick-but-chunky consistency.

Step 7: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully incorporated and the cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The soup should be rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.

Step 8: Ladle the best crockpot potato soup into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions and additional bacon bits if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Perfect Pairings for Your Potato Soup

This creamy crockpot potato soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up every last drop.

Crusty French Bread: The crispy exterior and soft interior make it perfect for dunking into this creamy soup, adding wonderful texture contrast.

Simple Garden Salad: A fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a bright, healthy element to your meal.

Soft Dinner Rolls: Warm, buttery rolls are ideal for mopping up the cheesy, bacon-filled broth and make the meal feel extra cozy.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic comfort food pairing that turns this soup into a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts on the side for added nutrition and a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

More Delicious Crockpot Soups to Round Out Your Weekly Menu

This bacon-loaded potato soup is perfect alongside other slow cooker favorites that showcase different protein options. For a satisfying beef alternative, the Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup transforms classic burger flavors into a creamy, comforting bowl that pairs beautifully with the same crusty bread sides. If looking for bold sausage flavors, the Ultimate Creamy Sausage Potato Soup features savory Italian sausage in a similarly rich, velvety base.

For those who love spice and robust flavors, the Hearty Cajun Potato Soup brings Louisiana-style heat with smoky andouille sausage and Cajun seasonings. These potato-based soups complement each other perfectly for meal prep, allowing variety throughout the week while keeping that comforting, creamy texture everyone loves.

Keeping Your Crockpot Potato Soup Fresh

Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making this perfect for meal prep.

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. I recommend adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Your Crockpot Potato Soup Questions Answered

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