If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with fresh flavors and loads of veggies, you’re going to adore this Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something cozy but don’t want to slave away in the kitchen. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you get on with your day – how great is that? Bonus: it’s vegetarian, healthy, and seriously adaptable. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step, share my best tips, and let you in on some little secrets to make this soup a winner every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in the Crock-Pot and let it do all the work for hours, freeing you up for other things.
- Veggie-Packed Goodness: This soup is loaded with fresh veggies, giving you comfort food that’s also nourishing.
- Customizable Texture: Whether you like it chunky or silky smooth, you control the soup’s final consistency.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time — even those who usually shy away from vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This veggie loaded Crock-Pot potato soup blends simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Make sure you pick fresh veggies and don’t skip on good quality cheese — those details really elevate the flavor.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down nicely and give the soup a creamy texture when mashed.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor; finely dice to keep it tender after slow cooking.
- Onion: Diced onions provide a sweet, savory base that melts into the soup.
- Vegetable broth: The heart of the soup — I prefer low-sodium to control salt levels better.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a fragrant punch without overpowering anything else.
- Salted butter: Adds rich creaminess and depth.
- Milk: Helps create that smooth comforting finish; whole milk works best or any milk you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan introduces a slightly nutty, savory complexity.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For that classic loaded baked potato flavor; freshly grated melts the best.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and dried dill bring everything together with balanced warmth and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Perfect for dolloping on top to add tang and creaminess without heaviness.
- Green onions or chives: Fresh, crisp, and colorful garnish that adds a mild oniony zip.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe is how flexible it is — feel free to tailor it to what you and your family prefer. Here are some fun tweaks I’ve tried:
- Make it Vegan: Swap butter for olive oil and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat; skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute. I experimented with this when friends came over, and honestly, it was surprisingly tasty!
- Extra Veggie Boost: Add diced carrots or bell peppers along with the celery and onion for a sweeter, colorful twist.
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat. I discovered this trick when I craved a spicier version on a cold rainy night—game changer.
- Chunky or Smooth: Don’t forget the texture tweak—use an immersion blender halfway through if you want silky smooth, or mash lightly for hearty chunks.
How to Make Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Chop Veggies and Combine
Start by peeling and chopping your russet potatoes into half-inch cubes. Then finely dice the celery and onion, and mince the garlic. Toss all those veggies right into the Crock-Pot, along with the vegetable broth, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and dried dill. I like to add the dill gradually — starting with half the amount — because it’s quite aromatic and easy to overpower the soup. Give it all a gentle stir to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to HIGH and let it cook for about 4 hours. If you’re going to be out for the day, set it to LOW for 8 hours instead—that’s the beauty of slow cooking, right? You’ll come home to a house filled with the cozy aroma of simmered veggies and soft potatoes. The potatoes will be tender enough to mash easily, so no worries if you’re not around to check frequently.
Step 3: Mash or Blend to Desired Texture
Now here comes the fun part—deciding the texture you want. I often go for silky smooth so I grab my immersion blender and give the soup a quick pulse until creamy, but sometimes I prefer a chunkier, rustic feel and just mash it gently with a potato masher. Either way works, so trust your mood and your tribe’s preference!
Step 4: Add Dairy, Cheese, and Final Seasoning
Stir in the milk, grated Parmesan, and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Add more broth or milk if you want a thinner soup consistency—you can always adjust seasoning here, so taste as you go and add salt, pepper, or extra dill if needed. I like to toss in some fresh green onions or chives at this stage too for that fresh pop!
Step 5: Serve with Toppings and Enjoy
Ladle your warm soup into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, chopped green onions, and a dash of zesty red pepper flakes. My family swears this tastes just like a loaded baked potato—without the bacon—and honestly, I couldn’t agree more!
Pro Tips for Making Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe
- Choose Russet Potatoes: They break down well and create that perfect creamy texture; Yukon gold can work but might make it thicker.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh minced garlic adds so much more flavor during long cooking.
- Add Cheese Off Heat: Mixing cheese in after cooking helps it melt smoothly and avoids graininess.
- Adjust Texture Last Minute: Save blending and mashing for the end so you can nail the consistency just right.
How to Serve Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always go for a mix of dollops of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, extra sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions or chives. The cooling tang from the yogurt combined with the melty cheese and the fresh herbs adds layers of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a slight kick that balances the creamy soup amazingly well.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple green salad, crusty bread, or a warm baguette for dipping. On busy nights, I serve it with garlic breadsticks or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete cozy meal. It’s lovely because the soup feels like the main event but you can dress up the table however you like.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’m serving this for a special occasion or holiday, I like to present it in small, hollowed-out bread bowls. It’s such a fun, eye-catching way to serve a cozy soup and it doubles as an edible bowl! You can also sprinkle some crispy fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs on top for added crunch and wow factor. It really takes the presentation up a notch without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it cools, it thickens quite a bit, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency back up. It reheats beautifully either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, just stir occasionally for even warming.
Freezing
This soup freezes well in portion-sized freezer bags or containers. I recommend freezing before adding cheese and milk, then stir those in fresh when reheating. This way the texture and flavor stay much better. When I first froze it fully dressed, the cheese tended to get a little grainy after thawing—lesson learned!
Reheating
When reheating, I gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a bit more milk or broth as needed. If you like your soup silky smooth, give it a quick blend before serving to freshen up the texture. Adding fresh cheese and green onions after reheating really brightens the flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make this Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and either omit the cheeses or replace them with vegan alternatives. The soup will still be creamy and flavorful thanks to the potatoes and veggies.
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How can I avoid the soup becoming too thick after refrigeration?
Potato soup naturally thickens as it cools because of the starches. Before reheating, add a splash of milk or vegetable broth and stir well. Warm gently and adjust the liquid as needed until you get your preferred consistency.
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Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?
You can make this on the stove by cooking the potatoes and veggies in a large pot with broth over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes. Then mash or blend and add the dairy and cheese just like in the slow cooker version.
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What’s the best way to get smooth potato soup texture?
Using an immersion blender directly in the crock-pot works best for a silky smooth soup. Alternatively, you can mash the potatoes thoroughly with a potato masher, but blending will give you that creamy consistency without chunks.
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Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even corn can be added at the start with the other veggies for extra color and nutrition. Just chop them similarly so everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe turns out every time—creamy, flavorful, and loaded with wholesome veggies that don’t feel like a chore to eat. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a cozy, comforting dish that even picky eaters enjoy. Whether it’s a cold weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd, this is a total showstopper with minimal effort. I hope you try it soon and find it becomes one of your go-to slow cooker recipes, just like it is in my kitchen!
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Veggie Loaded Crock-Pot Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 8 cups)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Veggie Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a comforting, creamy vegetarian soup packed with diced potatoes, celery, onion, and flavorful seasonings slow-cooked to perfection in a crock-pot. It’s an easy, healthy recipe that tastes just like a loaded baked potato without the bacon, topped with sharp cheddar, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and fresh green onions for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 5 medium russet potatoes (approx. 2 pounds peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery (about 3 stalks)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups vegetable broth (plus extra to taste)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1 cup milk (plus any extra to taste)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2-3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- a few cranks of ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried dill (add 1/4 tsp first, taste, then double if desired)
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for topping)
- Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Zesty red pepper flakes (for topping)
- Chopped green onion or chives (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Chop the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, finely dice the celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Place all the chopped vegetables into your crock-pot.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the minced garlic, salted butter, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and dried dill. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cook Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH. Cook the soup for 4 hours, or if you are away for an extended period, set it to LOW and cook for 8 hours. The vegetables will soften and flavors meld.
- Choose Soup Texture: Once cooking is complete, decide if you want a smooth or chunky soup. For smooth, use an immersion blender or potato masher to creamify the soup thoroughly. For chunkier texture, use a wooden spoon to partially mash the potatoes.
- Mix in Dairy and Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan, sharp cheddar, and milk. Add more broth or milk if you prefer a thinner consistency. Adjust seasonings by tasting and adding any extra salt, pepper, or dill as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, zesty red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions or chives for that authentic loaded baked potato flavor.
Notes
- This slow cooker soup is perfect for an easy, hands-off recipe that yields a thick, creamy, vegetarian meal.
- Adjust the dill quantity carefully to suit your taste; start with less and add more if desired.
- For a thinner soup consistency, simply add extra vegetable broth or milk and season accordingly.
- Enjoy toppings like sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions to replicate the loaded baked potato experience without bacon.
- Using an immersion blender is the easiest way to achieve a smooth texture, but a potato masher works well too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 234
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 864 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg