Crockpot loaded baked potato soup with fresh potatoes is an incredibly easy and delightfully delicious meal that brings the comforting flavors of a fully loaded baked potato into a warm, inviting bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or a satisfying family dinner, this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and can feed up to 6 people for an estimated cost of only $10. If you’ve enjoyed our quick Crockpot potato soup made with frozen hash browns but are yearning for an authentic, from-scratch version, this recipe is precisely what you’ve been searching for.
As a busy parent balancing three energetic kids, managing a household, and working full-time, I understand the challenge of finding time to prepare wholesome, delicious meals. That’s why I’ve become a bit addicted to this Crockpot loaded baked potato soup recipe. It’s one of those essential crockpot recipes that saves dinner time, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Potato Soup with Fresh Potatoes
This delightful comfort food is a staple in our home year-round, even during the warmer months, because of its incredible ease of preparation. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic until the potatoes are perfectly tender. Serve it alongside our easy rolls recipe for a complete and satisfying meal. You have the flexibility to make this soup as creamy or as chunky as your family prefers, creating a hearty dish that both kids and adults will adore. Elevate the experience by offering a variety of potato toppings, allowing everyone to customize their bowl for even more fun.
Beyond the slow cooker, this versatile recipe can be adapted to other cooking methods. You can simmer it on the stovetop until the ingredients reach tender perfection, or if you’re truly short on time, consider preparing our Instant Pot potato cheese soup for a speedy alternative. For detailed instructions on achieving that irresistible cheesy goodness in your preferred method, refer to the recipe card below.
Our love for slow cooker potato soup extends to other potato-centric dishes. We also enjoy Crockpot baked potatoes and highly recommend trying our slow cooker cheesy potatoes. The “low and slow” cooking approach is truly excellent for transforming humble potatoes into wonderfully tender and flavorful creations.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Crafting this comforting soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious flavor profile we all crave. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for making the best choices.
Potatoes: The Heart of the Soup
For this recipe, I find that **red or russet potatoes** work exceptionally well. Red potatoes hold their shape beautifully, offering a slightly waxy texture, while russets become wonderfully starchy and contribute to a thicker soup. The key is to dice all your potato pieces to roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others turn to mush. If you prefer a soup with a more substantial, chunky texture, simply dice your potatoes into slightly larger pieces (but still small enough to cook through). Conversely, smaller dice will result in a thinner, more homogenous consistency, which is excellent if you prefer a less chunky soup. Keep in mind that using fresh, whole potatoes takes a bit longer to cook compared to our Potato Soup with Frozen Hash Browns, but the depth of flavor from fresh potatoes is undeniably worth the extra time.
Cheddar Cheese: For Ultimate Richness
When it comes to cheese, **shredded cheddar cheese** is our top choice – and plenty of it! A sharp cheddar will infuse your soup with a robust, tangy flavor that truly complements the other ingredients. The trick is to stir a generous amount of cheese into the hot soup just before serving, allowing it to melt into a silky, luxurious texture. Then, for that classic “loaded baked potato” aesthetic and an extra punch of flavor, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar on top of each bowl before serving. It’s an easy way to add a beautiful finish and an irresistible cheesy pull.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The Creamy Base
A staple ingredient, **canned cream of mushroom soup**, provides a fantastic creamy foundation and savory depth to this recipe. For those who prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly make your own homemade cream of mushroom soup. If mushrooms aren’t your preference, or if you’re looking for an alternative, cream of potato soup can be used interchangeably. For dietary needs, dairy-free versions of condensed cream soup are available online or in specialty stores, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious creation.
Sour Cream: For Tangy Creaminess
To achieve that signature rich and creamy texture, a generous dollop of **sour cream** is essential. Plain Greek yogurt can also work as a substitute, offering a similar tang and thickness. For the best results and a truly indulgent soup, I highly recommend opting for full-fat versions of either sour cream or Greek yogurt. This recipe isn’t about counting calories; it’s about embracing comforting flavors and creating a truly satisfying meal. The full-fat versions will melt seamlessly into the soup, adding unparalleled richness.
Milk: For the Perfect Consistency
The choice of milk greatly influences the soup’s final consistency. I prefer using **whole milk or at least 2% milk** to ensure the soup remains wonderfully thick and creamy. If you’re aiming for an even more luxurious and decadent texture, heavy cream can be used. Adjust the amount of milk according to your desired thickness; you can always add a little more if you prefer a thinner soup.
Ham or Bacon Bits: For Savory Flavor
The addition of **bacon bits** and **cubed ham** brings a fantastic smoky and salty counterpoint to the creamy potato base. Whether you’re using store-bought bacon bits or frying up some fresh bacon and crumbling it, this ingredient is a must for a truly “loaded” experience. Ham, especially leftover ham from holidays, adds a wonderful savory depth. If you don’t have leftovers, a ham steak from the meat department, often precooked and sometimes even pre-diced, is a convenient option.
Substitutions and Variations to Customize Your Soup
This Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Homemade Cream Soup: If you prefer to avoid condensed canned soups, you can certainly make this soup using a homemade roux and broth base. For a fantastic homemade without condensed soup version, you can adapt our Crockpot ham and potato soup with heavy cream recipe’s base, then incorporate the potatoes and other desired ingredients.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this soup dairy-free, simply substitute regular milk with unsweetened cashew milk or almond milk. For the cheese and sour cream components, brands like Daiya offer excellent lactose-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. Plain dairy-free Greek yogurt can also be a suitable substitute for traditional sour cream.
- Alternative Meats: While ham and bacon bits are classic, feel free to switch up the meat. Cooked shredded chicken or even browned ground sausage could add a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the ham and bacon bits entirely. You can add more vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra flavor and texture. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is vegetarian-friendly.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can add an exciting kick.
Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Recipe Overview
Crockpot loaded baked potato soup is a super easy and incredibly delicious recipe! You only need a few ingredients, and it costs about $10 to feed up to 5 people.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Servings: 5
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 5 medium potatoes (red or russets), diced, skinned or partly skinned
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (or cream of potato)
- 2 tbsp bacon bits
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup milk (more or less depending on desired thickness)
- 1 1/2 cup cubed ham
Instructions
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Dice potatoes and add them to the crockpot along with your cans of cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup), bacon bits, and cubed ham. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Allow the soup to cook on low heat for the majority of the day (at least 6-8 hours on low). If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high for a minimum of 4 hours, though longer and slower cooking generally yields a richer flavor and more tender potatoes.
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Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the milk, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Replace the lid and let it continue to cook for about 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and integrate into the soup. Your delicious Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is now ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Serving: 8oz, Calories: 608kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 18g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 1728mg, Potassium: 1451mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 785IU, Vitamin C: 19.1mg, Calcium: 407mg, Iron: 3.1mg.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
- Course: Main Course, Soup
- Cuisine: American
Should You Peel Potatoes for Potato Soup?
This is a common question, and my answer is generally no, I do not peel the potatoes for this soup. Leaving the skins on adds wonderful texture and valuable nutritional benefits, including fiber. If you choose to remove them, understand that the soup might have a slightly less “chunky” feel. For those who desire an exceptionally smooth and creamy soup, peeling the potatoes is advisable. You can then use an immersion blender at the very end of the cooking process to achieve a velvety-smooth consistency. However, for a rustic and hearty soup, skins on are perfectly fine and even preferred!
With just a few ingredients, this soup consistently earns rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Its affordability is another major bonus, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families. This slow cooker soup recipe truly shines when you have leftover ham from holidays like Easter or Christmas, turning potential waste into a delicious new meal.
If it’s not the post-holiday season and you don’t have leftover ham, don’t worry! Simply pick up a ham steak from your local grocery store’s meat department. These are typically precooked, affordable, and often available already diced, making your prep even quicker.
You’ll need your favorite 6-quart or larger Crockpot for this recipe. If you’re wondering what to do with leftover baked potatoes, this soup is a fantastic way to repurpose them and reduce food waste. If your potatoes are already cooked, you can reduce the overall cooking time by approximately half. This recipe can easily be doubled, though you would then require a larger 12-quart slow cooker, and the cooking time might increase slightly.
Delicious Add-Ins and Toppings for Your Loaded Soup
The beauty of a “loaded” baked potato soup lies in its customizable additions. While the base is already rich and flavorful, adding certain ingredients can elevate it to a new level of indulgence. Here are some of our favorite things to add:
- Extra Ham: If you’re a ham lover, don’t hesitate to toss in more cubed ham, either at the beginning or as a topping.
- Fresh Chives: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds a delicate oniony flavor and a pop of vibrant green, enhancing both taste and appearance.
- Crispy Bacon Bits: You can never have too much bacon in a loaded potato soup! Cooked and crumbled bacon bits are essential for that smoky, salty crunch.
- Diced Green Onions: Similar to chives, green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a fresh garnish.
- Extra Shredded Cheese: A final sprinkle of cheese on top as it melts into the hot soup is pure bliss.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop on top of each serving adds another layer of creamy tang.
- Croutons or Crumbled Crackers: For added crunch and texture.
- A Pinch of Paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor and color.
When preparing the fresh potatoes, precision isn’t paramount, but aiming for roughly similar-sized dice is crucial for even cooking. First, cut each potato in half, then make crisscross cuts to create uniformly diced pieces. If you opt for frozen bagged potatoes, you can skip this dicing step. For optimal texture, I suggest using frozen potato chunks rather than shredded varieties, as they hold up better during the long cooking process and contribute to a more satisfying, textured soup. The overall cooking time won’t significantly change whether you use fresh or frozen chunks.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Potato Soup with Cream of Mushroom Soup
Achieving the perfect Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is straightforward with these simple steps and tips:
- Prepare and Combine: Start by dicing your potatoes. Add them to your slow cooker along with the cans of cream of mushroom soup (you could also use cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile), bacon bits, and/or diced precooked ham. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Let your Crockpot do the heavy lifting. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for at least 6-8 hours. If time is a factor, you can use the HIGH setting for a minimum of 4 hours, but remember, a longer and slower cook often results in more tender potatoes and a deeper, more melded flavor.
- Final Creamy Additions: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, incorporate the milk, shredded cheese, and sour cream into the soup. Stir everything together, replace the lid, and allow it to cook for another 30 minutes. This final burst of heat will ensure the cheese melts beautifully, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, serve your loaded baked potato soup hot. Garnish each bowl with extra shredded cheese and fresh chives for that authentic “loaded” experience.
Substitutions and Adjustments:
- For a Smoother Consistency: If you prefer a smoother soup, use a potato masher directly in the pot to mash some of the potatoes to your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth soup, you can carefully use an immersion blender.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free soup, chicken or vegetable broth can be used instead of milk, and dairy-free alternatives for cheese and sour cream should be utilized.
Seriously, this is one of the best soups ever, and it practically cooks itself! Every time this meal is served for dinner, all five of us clean our bowls. It’s a fantastic, belly-warming meal that often sparks conversations at the dinner table about other easy and delicious recipes we might want to try next!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Potato Soup
What is the best way to thicken potato soup?
I primarily rely on sour cream and cheese to thicken this soup naturally, which gives it a lovely creamy consistency without making it overly dense. If you desire an even thicker soup, you can create a cornstarch slurry: whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the hot soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and heat a bit more until it reaches your desired thickness. Another method is to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before serving, which adds to the body and creaminess.
What is the best kind of potato to use for potato soup?
I personally lean towards using red potatoes because they hold their shape well, providing a nice texture. However, I often use whatever variety I have on hand, and honestly, russet potatoes also turn out wonderfully. Russets tend to break down a bit more, contributing to an even creamier soup, which some people prefer. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent choice, offering a naturally buttery flavor and a smooth texture when cooked.
Can You Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup with Frozen Potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for fresh potatoes, you can certainly use frozen or refrigerated potato chunks as a convenient alternative. I highly recommend using chunks rather than shredded potatoes if you opt for frozen, as the chunks will maintain some texture in the soup and withstand the slow cooking process better. Using chunks also allows for a longer cooking time compared to shredded potatoes, which often translates to a deeper and more developed flavor in the finished soup. Just ensure they are fully cooked and tender before serving.
How do you store and reheat leftover potato soup?
Leftover potato soup stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened considerably in the fridge, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to restore its desired consistency.
Can you freeze Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
While potato soup can be frozen, dairy-based soups like this one can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing due to the milk and sour cream. If you plan to freeze, I recommend freezing the soup *before* adding the milk, cheese, and sour cream. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on the stovetop and stir in the dairy components during the last 30 minutes of reheating. This method helps maintain the soup’s creamy texture.
Roughly 30 minutes before you are ready to enjoy your meal, stir in the sour cream, milk, and cheese. Give it a good mix, cover the slow cooker again, and let it work its magic for another 30 minutes or so. This final step allows the cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey dream and ensures all the flavors are perfectly blended. Serve piping hot with your favorite extra toppings for an unforgettable experience!
