Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender potatoes, rich cheese, and flavorful seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delightful and hearty soup that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is perfect for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy, and hearty dishes. It’s incredibly simple to make thanks to the slow cooker, which allows you to set it and forget it. The result is a velvety smooth soup that’s packed with flavor and sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover potatoes and cheese, making it an economical choice as well.
Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Course: Soups, LunchCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium6
servings15
minutes6
minutes150
kcalCreamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup combines tender potatoes, rich cheese, and flavorful seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours of cooking time, this recipe yields approximately 6 servings, each containing around 300 calories. Enjoy this velvety smooth soup as a cozy meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- In a slow cooker, combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham, water, chicken bouillon granules, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir the milk mixture into the slow cooker. Add the Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the soup is hot and cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Knife
- Cutting board
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Potato Cheese Soup
- Uniform Potato Pieces: Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Thickening the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree some of the soup before adding the cheese.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, to suit your taste preferences.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of water and chicken bouillon for a vegetarian version.
- Bacon Swap: Substitute the ham with crispy bacon bits for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or broth if the soup becomes too thick.
Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Cheese Soup pairs well with:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll for dipping.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
- Sandwiches: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes? A: Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes to save time on prep work. No need to thaw them; just add them straight to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free? A: Yes, you can use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese substitutes to make this soup dairy-free.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cheese. Once thawed, reheat and then stir in the cheese to maintain a smooth texture.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker? A: For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes or add a slurry made from cornstarch and water towards the end of cooking.
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