Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Then, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. If using mushrooms, clean and slice them.
- Preparing everything beforehand makes the assembly quick and simple.
Layer in the Crock Pot
- Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot. Next, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and optional mushrooms on top.
- These ingredients will cook evenly and blend together as they simmer.
Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, covering the potatoes and vegetables. Add the dried thyme, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to mix the seasonings throughout the soup base.
Cook on Low or High
- Cover the crock pot and cook the soup on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to deepen gradually, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works well too.
Mash the Soup for Creaminess
- Once the potatoes are tender and fully cooked, remove the bay leaves. Using a potato masher, gently mash the potatoes inside the crock pot.
- For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender, blending until the soup reaches your desired texture.
Add the Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup a rich, velvety texture. If you want an extra creamy finish, add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and thoroughly combined.
- The cheese adds an extra depth of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning
- After the cream and cheese are incorporated, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or a dash of paprika as desired.
