Description
A creamy, hearty, and forgiving one-pot dinner that is incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. This comforting soup uses simple ingredients like potatoes, cheddar cheese, and broth for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), scrubbed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped into rough chunks
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded from a block
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: Crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Wash and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes and chop the onion into similar-sized chunks.
- Add the potatoes, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to distribute the seasonings.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours) until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid and mash about half of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the soup naturally.
- Stir in the butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Add more broth if too thick, or cook uncovered to reduce if too thin.
- Serve hot, topped with bacon bits, green onions, and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Shred your own cheese to prevent graininess caused by anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Do not over-mash the potatoes or the soup will become gluey. If the soup is too thin, let it cook uncovered on HIGH to reduce. If too thick, add more broth or cream. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 18
Keywords: slow cooker soup, cheesy potato soup, comfort food, one pot dinner, easy weeknight meals, vegetarian soup option