Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns & Turkey Bacon Delight

Name: Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns & Turkey Bacon Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup diced onion; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cream; 1/2 cup crumbled turkey bacon

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Tina S.

Published:

September 28

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Hash Browns

Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a warm, hearty bowl of potato soup. For busy young professionals juggling work commitments and personal lives, easy crockpot potato soup emerges as a savior. With just a little prep in the morning, you can come home to the enticing aroma of a delicious meal waiting for you—no more post-work cooking stress!

Why is homemade potato soup the perfect dish for busy young professionals?

One of the joys of making your own soup is knowing exactly what’s in it. Processed foods can sometimes take shortcuts that might not be the healthiest options. According to the CDC, incorporating more whole foods, such as potatoes, into your diet can significantly improve overall health. With our easy crockpot version, you control the ingredients, using options like turkey bacon and chicken ham to add that savory touch without excessive calories.

The beauty of crockpot cooking lies in its simplicity and convenience. Set it, forget it, and get on with your day! You can toss in your hash browns, sautéed onions, and vegetable broth before heading to work. When you return home, you’ll be greeted by a warm, creamy soup that’s practically begging to be enjoyed. It’s the ultimate time-saver, especially when you’re racing against the clock.

Additionally, this easy crockpot potato soup is flexible. Craving something spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want a touch of nuttiness? Sprinkle in some cheddar cheese or a handful of herbs. The adaptability of this recipe means you can cater it to your cravings while still keeping it healthy. Plus, soup is a fantastic make-ahead option, storing well in the fridge or even freezing beautifully for up to three months. Just reheat when you’re ready—perfect for those days when cooking feels like too much!

So, whether you’re looking to impress friends at a gathering or simply need to warm up after a long day, this easy crockpot potato soup with hash browns is your go-to recipe. It’s comforting, customizable, and ready when you are—what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Essential ingredients for a creamy taste

When you’re looking to whip up a delicious easy crockpot potato soup, a few key ingredients will set the foundation for your creamy and comforting bowl. You’ll need:

Hash browns: Frozen hash browns work wonders, making prep a breeze.
Chicken broth: This will give your soup that deep, savory flavor. Consider using low-sodium for a healthier option.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: For that luscious, creamy texture, don’t skimp on this!
Cheddar cheese: A blend of sharp and mild can really elevate the taste.

These staples blend wonderfully, creating a base you’d crave on a chilly evening.

Simple add-ins for enhanced flavor

Want to take this easy crockpot potato soup from good to extraordinary? Here are some simple add-ins you might enjoy:

Turkey bacon: Crispy bits sprinkled on top bring a delightful crunch.
Chicken ham: Diced pieces add protein and a hint of smoky flavor.
Green onions: Chopped for garnish, these provide a fresh bite.
Spices: Don’t forget to experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a little kick.

With those additions, you’ll not only amp up the flavor but also customize the soup to your taste. Check out more potato soup variations here.

Ready to dive in? Your slow cooker is eager to create a cozy masterpiece!

Step-by-step Preparation of Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that practically makes itself, look no further than easy crockpot potato soup. This simple and hearty recipe relies on hash browns, cream cheese, and your favorite toppings to create a deliciously satisfying bowl of soup that warms you from the inside out. Let’s dive into the preparation step-by-step!

Gather your ingredients

The first step to creating easy crockpot potato soup is to gather all your ingredients. You might already have some of these in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen Hash Browns: 30-32 ounces. They serve as the base, giving the soup its hearty texture.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups. A good-quality broth enhances the flavor.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. This is key for that ultra-creamy consistency you’ll love.
Onion: 1 medium, diced. For an extra layer of flavor.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because what’s soup without garlic?
Turkey Bacon: 4 strips, cooked and crumbled. Opt for turkey for a lighter touch.
Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and, if you like, some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Remember, fresh ingredients will always lead to the best flavors, but don’t stress if you only have frozen or dried—this soup is super forgiving!

Combine the base ingredients in the crockpot

Now that everything is ready, it’s time for the fun part!

Start by adding the frozen hash browns into your crockpot.
Pour in the chicken broth to cover the hash browns adequately.
Next, toss in the diced onion, the minced garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.
Stir everything together gently so that the seasonings blend in nicely.

This combination of ingredients will create the rich and flavorful base for your easy crockpot potato soup.

For more details on choosing the right broth, check out this helpful guide on choosing chicken broth.

Set it and forget it—how long to cook

Once everything is combined, close the lid of your crockpot and set it to cook. For a delightful, packed-filled soup, you’ll want to let it simmer for:

Low setting: 6 to 8 hours
High setting: 3 to 4 hours

Seriously, the hardest part is waiting! The length of cooking time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every spoonful is delectable.

Adding the cream cheese for that creamy texture

When the cooking time has elapsed, it’s time to make your soup luxuriously creamy.

Take your softened cream cheese and cut it into chunks.
Add these into the crockpot.
Stir well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the soup reaches that desired creamy thickness.

This step is where the magic happens. You can taste the transformation right here, and it’s simply divine!

Final touches with toppings

Here comes the fun part—toppings! You can personalize your easy crockpot potato soup to suit your taste. Here are some tasty options:

Chopped green onions: A fresh, crunchy addition.
Shredded cheese: Cheddar is a popular choice!
Crumbled turkey bacon: Because who doesn’t love bacon?
Sour cream: For an extra layer of creaminess.

Feel free to mix and match your toppings! It’s a great way to make each bowl unique, and it can even be different every time you make this dish.

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created an inviting and creamy easy crockpot potato soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Variations on Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

When it comes to easy crockpot potato soup, the possibilities are almost limitless. This base recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are two delicious variations to inspire your next batch.

Loaded Potato Soup with Turkey Bacon and Cheese

If you’re craving something a bit heartier, try adding turkey bacon and cheese to your soup. Simply cook the turkey bacon until crispy, crumble it, and stir it into the soup towards the end of the cooking time. Top your bowls with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for that extra indulgence. For a yummy finish, sprinkle some green onions on top. This combination gives you a fantastic loaded potato experience without much fuss! Looking for more inspiration? Check out this great source on loaded potato options.

Vegetarian-Friendly Potato Soup Options

For those who prefer a vegetarian-friendly version of easy crockpot potato soup, you can skip the meats entirely and enhance the flavor with veggies and herbs. Consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or a handful of spinach for extra nutrients. To deepen the flavor, incorporate garlic and thyme. If you’re looking for something even creamier, a splash of coconut milk can give your soup a wonderful richness. You’ll find plenty of delicious vegetarian recipes that embrace this kind of creativity on sites like Minimalist Baker.

With these simple variations, your crockpot potato soup can be reinvented to suit every craving and dietary preference, keeping dinnertime exciting!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Adjusting the Consistency to Your Preference
One of the fantastic features of this easy crockpot potato soup is how adaptable it is. If you enjoy a thicker texture, simply reduce the amount of broth or add a thicker cream substitute towards the end. For a lighter, more brothy version, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you can always blend a portion of the soup for a creamier mouthfeel—this technique is a game-changer!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This soup not only tastes better the next day as flavors meld, but it’s also incredibly easy to store! Pour leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to enjoy your crockpot potato soup, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra liquid if needed to recreate that delightful consistency. Want more tips about food storage? Check out this helpful guide!

Serving Suggestions for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Best side dishes to pair with your soup

Pairing your easy crockpot potato soup with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Consider these delicious options:

Crusty bread or rolls: Freshly baked sourdough or garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the soup wonderfully.
Simple green salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the potato soup.
Turkey bacon bits: Add some crunch on top of your soup for a smoky flavor that brings everything together.
Cheesy garlic biscuits: These are not just tasty but also easy to whip up, making them a great addition to your dinner table.

Creative serving ideas for home gatherings

Hosting friends or family? Here are a few creative ways to serve your easy crockpot potato soup that will impress:

Soup bar: Set up a DIY toppings station with options like chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and sautéed vegetables.
Bread bowls: Hollow out small loaves of bread and serve your soup inside for a fun and edible presentation.
Mason jars: Serve individual portions in mason jars for a rustic feel—perfect for outdoor gatherings or potlucks.

For more on serving ideas, check out Taste of Home, where you’ll find a plethora of creative inspirations!

Time Breakdown for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Preparation Time

Getting everything ready for your easy crockpot potato soup only takes about 15 minutes. You’ll want to peel and chop the potatoes (if you’re not using hash browns), along with any other veggies you plan to add. This is your moment to shine—don’t rush it!

Cooking Time

Let the crockpot work its magic! Cooking the soup typically takes around 6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high. By the time you return from work or your weekend adventure, it will have transformed into a creamy, comforting delight.

Total Time

In total, you’re looking at roughly 6.25 to 8.25 hours from start to finish, including prep and cooking. This makes it a perfect meal to set up in the morning and forget about, coming home to the enticing scent of deliciousness. Want tips for meal prep? Check out this resource on crockpot tips for busy professionals.

Nutritional Facts for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

When you’re whipping up a comforting bowl of easy crockpot potato soup, nutrition is key to feeling good about your meal choices. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional facts so you can enjoy it guilt-free.

Calories

A standard serving of this delightful soup contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a great option for a light lunch or dinner that warms both your belly and your heart.

Protein

You’ll find about 7 grams of protein per serving. For those following a balanced diet, protein is essential for muscle health and overall wellness. Consider adding some turkey bacon or chicken ham for an extra protein boost!

Sodium

This easy crockpot potato soup contains roughly 600 mg of sodium. To keep your soup on the healthier side, opt for low-sodium broth or season to taste with herbs instead of salt.

For more information on maintaining a balanced diet, check out resources from the American Heart Association or Nutrition.gov.

FAQs about Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Using fresh potatoes for your easy crockpot potato soup can add a delightful texture. Just peel and cube them into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may require slightly more cooking time—aim for a couple of extra hours on low heat. If you’re short on time, frozen hash browns are a convenient alternative that also work well.

What toppings go best with potato soup?

Toppings can elevate your easy crockpot potato soup and make it even more delicious! Here are some fan-favorite ideas:

Turkey bacon: Adds a smoky crunch.
Cheddar cheese: A must for creamy richness.
Green onions: For a fresh, zesty kick.
Sour cream: A dollop adds creaminess and tang.
Croutons: For texture and extra flavor.

Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Making your easy crockpot potato soup gluten-free is a breeze! Start by ensuring all ingredients are labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free broth, and double-check that any cheese or toppings don’t contain gluten. You might also consider thickening the soup with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour mix instead of standard flour. For more detailed guidelines on gluten-free cooking, check resources like Celiac Disease Foundation.

Enjoy your cooking! The versatility of this recipe allows for endless tweaks to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a cozy meal for any day of the week!

Conclusion on Easy Crockpot Potato Soup

Inviting warm bowls of soup into your regular meal rotation

Incorporating easy crockpot potato soup into your meal planning can transform your dining experience—especially after a long day. This comforting dish is not only hassle-free, thanks to a trusty slow cooker, but it also allows for customization to fit your taste preferences. Imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of savory potatoes and spices, a warm bowl waiting just for you.

Don’t hesitate to swap in healthier additions like Turkey Bacon or Chicken Ham for a twist. If you want to learn more about nutritional benefits, consider reading resources from the Mayo Clinic on healthy ingredients. And remember, this soup is a fantastic way to utilize leftover veggies. So, what are you waiting for? Make this soup a staple in your home and enjoy cozy evenings filled with flavor!