Hearty Paula Deen Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe

Paula Deen’s crock pot potato soup stands as a culinary embrace that transforms ordinary ingredients into comfort magic.

Hearty and soul-warming, this slow-cooked delight turns simple potatoes into a luxurious meal experience.

Chilly evenings call for rich, creamy concoctions that tantalize taste buds and spark joy around the dinner table.

Velvety textures and robust flavors dance together, creating a symphony of comfort in every spoonful.

Each ingredient melds perfectly, promising a bowl of pure satisfaction that warms you from the inside out.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this soup a game-changer for busy home cooks seeking wholesome meals.

Get ready to fall in love with a soup that redefines comfort food with its irresistible charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Paula Deen’s Crock Pot Potato Soup

• Nonstick Spray: Choose a high-heat cooking spray that ensures easy release and cleanup.

• Onions, Carrots, Potatoes: Select fresh, firm produce with vibrant colors and no soft spots for maximum flavor and texture.

• Italian Seasoning: Look for a high-quality blend with a mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Opt for kosher salt for better flavor distribution and fresh ground cayenne for a warm, subtle heat.

• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow personal seasoning.
• Evaporated Milk: Choose full-fat version for richer, creamier consistency.

• Cornstarch: Use pure cornstarch without additives for smooth blending.

• Cheddar Cheese, Greek Yogurt: Select sharp cheddar for robust flavor and full-fat Greek yogurt for creamy texture.

• Bacon Bits, Chives: Pick crispy, freshly cooked bacon and bright green, fragrant chives for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Tools That Help with Paula’s Slow Cooker Soup

• Slow Cooker (6-quart): The star of the show, ensuring even, low-heat cooking.
• Skillet: Perfect for softening onions to golden perfection.
• Medium Bowl: Ideal for whisking evaporated milk and cornstarch smoothly.
• Whisk: Your tool for creating lump-free mixtures.
• Potato Masher or Large Spoon: Great for crushing potatoes and creating a chunky texture.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup with style and precision.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping onions, chives, and bacon.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp companion for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Easy Steps for Potato Soup Crock Pot-Style

Savor Hearty Potato Soup

Unleash a comforting culinary experience with this soul-warming potato soup that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. This recipe promises to hug your taste buds with rich, creamy goodness.

• Sauté Flavor Builders

Heat butter in a skillet and caramelize onions until they turn golden and soft. Transfer these flavor-packed gems into your slow cooker, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

• Layer Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker with carrots, potatoes, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Add a whisper of cayenne for subtle warmth. Cover and let ingredients mingle on low heat for 6-8 hours, transforming into a tender vegetable symphony.

• Create Silky Smoothness

Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch until perfectly smooth. During the final cooking moments, stir this creamy mixture into the soup, allowing it to thicken and develop a luxurious texture.

• Elevate and Customize

Gently crush some potatoes to create a rustic, chunky consistency. Fold in shredded cheddar and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Adjust thickness with additional broth if desired.

• Garnish and Serve

Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Prepare for a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day.

Tips & Ideas for Potato Soup

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with butternut squash or sweet potatoes to add unexpected flavor dimensions.

Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or crispy pancetta for extra protein punch. Cooked ground sausage works wonderfully for meat lovers seeking bold taste profiles.

Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat preference. Mild palates can reduce or eliminate spice, while adventurous eaters might add extra pepper flakes or hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Try different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or sharp white cheddar. Blend multiple cheeses to create a complex, rich flavor that elevates the entire soup experience.

Serving Suggestions for Hearty Potato Soup

• Savor the Soup's Soul Mates: Perfectly paired sides and toppings that elevate this creamy potato soup to culinary bliss.
• Crusty Bread Dippers: Slice up a warm baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up every last drop of this velvety soup. Toasted and buttered slices add a delightful crunch that complements the soup's creamy texture.
• Fresh Green Companions: Toss a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness. The bright, fresh flavors will dance beautifully alongside the hearty potato base.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty punch. Consider a small bacon-wrapped breadstick on the side for hardcore bacon enthusiasts who can't get enough of that irresistible crunch.
• Comfort Bowl Finale: Finish the meal with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm apple crisp to complete this ultimate comfort food experience. The sweet ending perfectly rounds out the savory soup adventure.

How to Keep Potato Soup Fresh and Tasty

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, comforting meals during busy weeks. Soups like this freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a delicious backup plan.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover soup in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Pro tip: keep cheese and yogurt toppings separate until serving to maintain their fresh texture and prevent soggy surprises.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Gently warm refrigerated soup on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its original creamy consistency. Microwave works too, but stir occasionally to prevent uneven heating.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and cook bacon in advance, storing separately to streamline your cooking process. These pre-prepped components can save precious time when you're craving this soul-warming soup.

Hearty Paula Deen Crock Pot Potato Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Paula Deen crock pot potato soup emerges as a comforting classic from Southern kitchens. Creamy potatoes blend with savory bacon, creating a rich meal that welcomes you home with warm, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
• 3 large carrots, scrubbed and diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for serving
• 3–4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian soup)
• 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt, plus additional for serving
• 1 can (12 oz/354 ml) 2% evaporated milk
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp kosher salt, plus additional to taste
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
• Chopped fresh chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker completely with nonstick spray, ensuring full coverage.
2. Aromatic Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent and soft, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker.
3. Vegetable Infusion: Add carrots, potatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables and mix thoroughly.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables become tender and easily mashed.
5. Thickening Process: Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch in a bowl until completely smooth and lump-free.
6. Final Touches: During the last 30 minutes, integrate the cornstarch-milk mixture into the slow cooker. Simmer to allow gradual thickening.
7. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate cheddar cheese and Greek yogurt. Partially mash potatoes using a potato masher to create a more robust texture.
8. Consistency Adjustment: Modify soup thickness by adding warm chicken broth if needed. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, extra cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Potato Prep Power: Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for maximum creaminess and easier mashing during the final stages of cooking.
• Slow Cooker Success: Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and prevent heat loss, which can extend overall cooking time.
• Thickness Trick: Add cornstarch mixture gradually and stir well to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth and velvety soup texture without unwanted clumps.
• Flavor Enhancement: Let soup rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex, rich taste profile.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg