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I first encountered Paula Deen's Crockpot Potato Soup at a church potluck years ago, and I was immediately drawn to it. One spoonful and I was transported to comfort city—that creamy, dreamy texture combined with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar was pure magic. I pestered the woman who brought it until she shared the recipe, and I've been making it ever since. What I love most is how this soup brings everyone together. It's unpretentious, genuine, and absolutely delicious. The slow-cooker method means you can prep everything in the morning and come home to the most amazing aromas filling your kitchen. It's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress without fussing, when I need comfort food, or when I simply want to make people smile with a bowl of pure happiness.
Why I love this recipe
I love this recipe because it embodies everything Southern comfort food should be—simple, satisfying, and made with love. There's no complicated technique or exotic ingredients, just honest, delicious food that brings people together. The beauty of this crockpot version is that it fits perfectly into real life. You can throw everything in before work and dinner is ready when you walk through the door. But beyond the convenience, what really gets me is the flavor. That combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, salty bacon, and fresh green onions creates a symphony of tastes and textures. It's a recipe that reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place—because food should nourish both body and soul, and this soup does exactly that.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Potatoes: Peel, cube, and add to crockpot as the soup base
- Cream Cheese: Softened and stirred in to create the creamy texture
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded and melted into the soup for sharp cheese flavor
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy, then crumbled and used as garnish
- Heavy Cream: Added to enhance richness and creaminess
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base that cooks the potatoes and flavors the soup
Let's Make These Together
- Prep Your Ingredients
- Start by peeling and cubing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cook your bacon until crispy in a skillet, then drain on paper towels and crumble. Chop your green onions and have your cream cheese softened to room temperature. This prep work takes about 15 minutes and makes the actual cooking process smooth and hassle-free.
- Layer the Crockpot
- Pour your chicken broth into the crockpot and add the butter, letting it melt slightly. Add all the cubed potatoes, stirring to coat them in the warm broth. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Cover and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Create the Creamy Base
- About 30 minutes before serving, cut your softened cream cheese into chunks and add it to the crockpot along with the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly, breaking up the cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly. This is the magic step that transforms your soup into pure creamy comfort.
- Add the Cheese
- Stir in your shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates a luxurious, rich flavor that's absolutely irresistible. Taste and adjust your seasonings with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve
- Ladle your piping hot soup into bowls and top generously with crispy bacon crumbles and fresh green onions. The contrast of the creamy soup with the crispy, salty bacon is what makes this dish truly special.
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Switch Things Up
The first time I made this soup, I was skeptical that a crockpot could deliver such restaurant-quality results. But as soon as that cream cheese melted into those soft potatoes, I was hooked! I've since made it for every potluck and family dinner, and it's become the recipe people actually ask me for by name. My kids request it weekly, and honestly, I can't blame them. There's something magical about that combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy soup that just hits different.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy potato soup pairs beautifully with crispy cornbread, warm buttermilk biscuits, or crusty sourdough bread for dipping. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A grilled cheese sandwich makes an excellent companion. For beverages, pair with sweet tea, lemonade, or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. On cooler evenings, a warm apple cider or hot cocoa complements the soup's comforting nature perfectly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cream cheese from breaking.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- → What if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring well until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add more heavy cream for additional richness without thinning it out as much.
- → Can I use red potatoes instead of russet?
Yes, red potatoes work well and will hold their shape better, resulting in a chunkier soup. However, russet potatoes create a creamier texture because they break down more easily. You could also use a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
- → Is there a stovetop version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Boil your diced potatoes in chicken broth for 15-20 minutes until tender. Then follow the same steps for adding cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. This stovetop method takes about 45 minutes total, making it perfect for when you need dinner faster.
- → What are good substitutions for the bacon?
If you prefer not to use bacon, try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, diced ham for a meat option, or crispy fried onions for a crunchy texture. Vegetarians can simply omit the bacon and add extra fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Conclusion
Paula Deen's Crockpot Potato Soup is the epitome of Southern comfort food. This make-ahead marvel is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this soup proves that the best meals are often the simplest ones. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread, and watch everyone come back for seconds!