Two images of slow cooker creamy potato soup with a pink background and navy text.

This easy, healthy slow cooker creamy potato soup is a simple dump-and-go recipe, requiring just a short list of simple ingredients and can be topped with just about anything for a warm, nourishing meal any night of the week.

Top down image of two white bowls filled with slow cooker creamy potato soup, topped with bacon and chives, on a white background.

About this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup Recipe

I don't know about you but when my schedule starts to feel busy & hectic, dump and go slow cooker recipes are pretty much all I'm in the mood to cook.

Knowing that all I really have to do is throw a few ingredients into my crockpot and let it do all the heavy lifting for me, helps me get dinner done and on the table fast.

And with minimal prep steps and minimal cleanup, this healthy Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup is the ultimate low-effort weeknight win.

It's simple, warming, delicious and has the most rich & velvety texture – it's basically EXACTLY the kind of homestyle comfort food you want after a long day, but without a lot of extra effort required.

Plus it's naturally vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free, so it will work for just about anyone!

In my opinion, this crockpot potato soup is really all about the toppings, so feel free to load it up! For me, chopped chives from the garden and a dash of hot sauce are a must – but I've added even more ideas below to get you inspired.

Process & Tips

Top down image of a white bowl filled with slow cooker creamy potato soup, topped with bacon and chives, on a white background.

Since this is an easy slow cooker recipe and it requires no browning or sauteing beforehand, all you really have to do is add all your ingredients to your slow cooker.

Soaked, raw cashews are used here in place of dairy here to add a luscious, creamy consistency.

And, since you can soak the cashews alongside the chowder while it cooks, there's no need to remember to soak them the night before.

Then once it's done cooking, blend the soup with your soaked cashews until it reaches a smooth and thick texture and you'll have yourself a delicious dinner (and if you're lucky, lots of leftovers to enjoy all week long too!).

If you prefer a nut-free option, simply swap in coconut milk or heavy cream. I've included notes for you on how to make that swap below.

Ways to Serve this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup

This dairy-free crockpot potato soup makes a delicious, easy vegetarian meal all on its own but I highly recommend getting creative with the toppings.

Including crumbled bacon, chopped chives, shredded cheese, roasted brussels sprouts, sauerkraut, hot sauce, a drizzle of olive oil or pat of butter (traditional or plant-based) – you name it!

Or even just add a grilled cheese, hunk of warm crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.

This recipe would be really fun for a soup and salad night! Serve it with all the toppings and simple side salad. Use any of your favorite fresh greens tossed in an easy healthy dressing (highly recommend this Lemon Dijon Dressing or Apple Cider Vinaigrette!).

Top down image of a white bowl filled with potato soup, topped with bacon and chives, on a white background.

Ingredients & Modifications

Potatoes: I used Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe but you could also use another waxy yellow potato in its place. You may not want to use something like a Russet potato, although they're great for something like a fluffy baked potato, they can produce a gluey texture once blended instead of the velvety, creamy texture that a waxy potato would give.

Vegetable stock: You can use either vegetable stock (to keep it a vegetarian friendly meal) or chicken stock, both work great in this recipe.

Garlic: Since we're using so few ingredients, I opted to use fresh garlic cloves for this recipe and it adds beautiful flavor to this soup. But you could also use granulated garlic powder in its place if you prefer.

Onion: I love the aromatic & savory depth of flavor that onions add to homemade soups, stews and chowders. You could also use shallot in its place. If you don't like or can't have onions, feel free to omit them.

Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without containing any dairy. Find it on the bulk aisle of your natural foods store, or in the baking section. If you can't find or don't want to use it, feel free to omit, though it will be missing that "cheesy" flavor.

Raw cashews: Soaked, raw cashews are used here in place of dairy here to add a luscious, creamy consistency. For a nut-free version, skip the cashews and add heavy cream or coconut milk along with the nutritional yeast, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Kosher salt: Look for kosher salt with the regular iodized salt at the grocery store (it has a subtler flavor). Use less iodized salt if that's what you have on hand.

Tips for Storing & Freezing Leftovers

This homemade crockpot potato soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.

This recipe also freezes well, store in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.

Top down image of a white bowl filled with slow cooker creamy potato soup, topped with bacon and chives, on a white background.

Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup

This easy, healthy slow cooker creamy potato soup is a simple dump-and-go recipe, requiring just a short list of simple ingredients and can be topped with just about anything for a warm, nourishing meal any night of the week.

  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • 8 cups chopped Yukon Gold or other waxy yellow potato
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 whole medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 quarts chicken , (or vegetable stock for vegetarian)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast*

Optional Toppings

  • cooked, crumbled bacon
  • chopped green onions or chives
  • shredded cheese
  • hot sauce
  • Place the cashews in a small bowl and cover with an inch of water. Set aside to soak while the soup cooks.

  • Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, stock and 1 teaspoon salt to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 7-9, or until the potatoes and onions are very tender.

  • Drain and rinse the cashews. Add the cashews, nutritional yeast, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt to the slow cooker, stirring to combine.

  • Using an immersion blender, blend until just combined, being careful not to over blend. Alternatively, carefully ladle the soup in batches into a blender and blend until creamy. Return the blended mixture back to the slow cooker.

  • Taste and add additional salt or freshly ground pepper if desired. Ladle into bowls and add any toppings you like.

*Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without containing any dairy. Find it on the bulk aisle of your natural foods store, or in the baking section. If you can't find or don't want to use it, feel free to omit, though it will be missing that "cheesy" flavor.

For a nut-free version, skip the cashews and add heavy cream along with the nutritional yeast, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Note: This recipe originally called for peeled Russet potatoes, but some readers found the soup became gummy when over blended. For that reason we've updated the recipe to use Yukon Gold waxy potatoes.

Nutrition information calculated without including the optional toppings.

For more ingredients & modifications, see the full blog post above.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 364 kcal , Carbohydrates: 64 g , Protein: 16 g , Fat: 7 g , Saturated Fat: 1 g , Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g , Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g , Sodium: 690 mg , Potassium: 1727 mg , Fiber: 8 g , Sugar: 4 g , Vitamin A: 6 IU , Vitamin C: 63 mg , Calcium: 58 mg , Iron: 4 mg

Nutrition disclaimer

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