Crockpot Potato Soup (Frozen Potatoes)

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It is super easy to make, especially with frozen potatoes.

You get creamy texture and rich flavors with very little work. This recipe is great for busy days when you want a tasty meal waiting for you when you come home.

How To Make Crockpot Potato Soup (Frozen Potatoes)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bacon
• 8 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes (two 2-pound bags)
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth (48 ounces)
• 2 10-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into cubes)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt (to taste)
• Sliced green onions or chives (for topping)

Directions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, crumble it, and set aside.
2. Add the Potatoes: Place the frozen diced hash browns into the bottom of a Crockpot.
3. Season the Potatoes: Sprinkle the seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the potatoes.
4. Add the Broth and Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream of chicken soup. Stir until combined. Mix in about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
5. Cook the Base: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, the cubed cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Cover and cook on high for another 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheeses are fully melted and soup is creamy.
7. Season to Taste: Taste and add additional salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with the reserved cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, and sliced green onions or chives.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 5 to 6 hours to cook (if on low), making a total of about 5 hours and 10 minutes. It serves 8 people and each serving has about 400 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 30 grams of fat.

How To Serve Crockpot Potato Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. Add toppings like extra cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions or chives on top. Enjoy it with some crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

How To Store Crockpot Potato Soup

Let the soup cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips To Make Crockpot Potato Soup

• For a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
• Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
• Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
• If you want a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

Crockpot Potato Soup is a hearty dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates from the potatoes. It also gives you protein from the bacon and cheese. The chicken broth adds flavor and nutrients. If you use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt, you can lower the fat content. The green onions or chives on top add a bit of fiber and vitamins. This soup can be a balanced meal when served with a side of vegetables or salad.

Variation

For a different twist, try adding broccoli or spinach. You can also use a different type of cheese, like pepper jack, for a bit of spice. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
   
   Yes, but you will need to peel and chop them into small pieces. Fresh potatoes may also require a bit more cooking time.

   
   

2. Is the soup gluten-free?
   
   Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

   
   

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   
   Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge and can be made in advance. Just reheat it when you are ready to serve.