Delicious & Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Potato and Cheese Soup (Weight Watchers Friendly!)

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill, especially after a long day. Today was definitely one of those “soup days,” and my trusty slow cooker came to the rescue! I spent a little time peeling some potatoes and before I knew it, a delightful, cheesy potato soup was bubbling away, filling my home with an irresistible aroma. The beauty of this recipe is that it practically cooks itself, allowing me to run errands and tackle chores while dinner takes care of itself for hours. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and deliciousness, delivering a hearty meal that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

This creamy potato and cheese soup is packed with tender potatoes and rich, gooey cheese, making it incredibly satisfying. And the best part? Each one-cup serving is just 3 SmartPoints, making it an ideal choice for those following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a lighter, yet fulfilling, meal. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that the whole family will adore!

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Creamy Potato and Cheese Soup

By: Drizzle

Servings: 10

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 6 hours 30 minutes

Total: 6 hours 40 minutes

A close-up of the rich, creamy texture of the potato and cheese soup in a slow cooker.

Weight Watchers Friendly: 3 SmartPoints or 3 PersonalPoints per 1 cup serving

Ingredients

▢ 6 medium sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best for creaminess)
▢ 1 cup diced yellow onion
▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced or diced
▢ 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
▢ Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
▢ 1 cup unsweetened original almond milk, or other milk of choice
▢ 4 Tbsp light cream cheese, softened
▢ 2/3 cup light shredded cheese, I used a mozzarella/cheddar mix for optimal meltiness and flavor

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Begin by peeling and cutting your medium-sized potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup. Place the potato cubes directly into your slow cooker.
Combine Ingredients for Cooking: Add the diced onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, and season generously with salt and pepper to taste into the slow cooker with the potatoes. Stir everything gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the “low” setting for approximately 6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Create the Creamy Base: Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a hand masher to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. You can mash them to your desired consistency – some prefer a chunkier soup, while others like it smoother. Stir in the unsweetened almond milk, softened light cream cheese, and the shredded mozzarella/cheddar cheese mix. Continue to cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until all the cheeses are completely melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy and heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the warm, rich soup into bowls. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, garnish with a sprinkle of bacon bits and additional shredded cheese (these optional garnishes are not included in the nutritional information). This recipe yields approximately 10 cups, with each serving being a delightful 3 PersonalPoints.

Additional Info

Course: Soup

Nutritional Information (per 1 cup serving):

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup

This slow cooker potato and cheese soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience in effortless comfort. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

Effortless Preparation: Simply chop your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy individuals or anyone who loves delicious food without the fuss.
Rich & Creamy Texture: The combination of mashed potatoes, light cream cheese, and a blend of shredded cheeses creates an incredibly smooth and luxurious soup that coats your spoon beautifully.
Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist the appeal of a cheesy soup? This recipe delivers on flavor with a perfect balance of savory cheese that melts seamlessly into the broth.
Weight Watchers Friendly: At just 3 SmartPoints per serving, this soup proves that comfort food can also be healthy and mindful. You can enjoy a hearty bowl without derailing your diet goals.
Hearty & Filling: Potatoes provide a substantial base, making this soup incredibly satisfying and filling, especially when paired with a slice of crusty bread.
Customizable: While fantastic as is, this soup is also a blank canvas for your favorite additions, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.

Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Soup

To ensure your creamy potato and cheese soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Potatoes: For a truly creamy soup, opt for starchy potatoes like Russet (Idaho) or Yukon Gold. They break down easily and contribute to a thick, smooth texture. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes tend to hold their shape more, which is great for a chunkier soup but less ideal for maximum creaminess.
Uniform Potato Cubes: Cutting the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker. Inconsistent sizes can lead to some potatoes being mushy while others are still firm.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure your slow cooker isn’t too full, especially if you plan to mash the potatoes directly in it. Leave enough room for stirring and mashing.
Mash to Your Liking: A hand masher works great for a rustic, slightly chunky texture. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, you can carefully transfer a portion or all of the cooked potato mixture to a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids!) or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your light cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the hot soup. This helps it melt smoothly and prevents lumps.
Use Quality Broth: A good quality low-sodium chicken broth will enhance the overall flavor of your soup without adding excessive salt.
Season in Layers: Taste and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, and any other spices) after the initial cooking phase and again after adding the dairy and cheese. Flavors can develop and change.

Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

This cheesy potato soup is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations and serving ideas:

Variations:

Add a Protein Boost: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, turkey, or even lean ground beef during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Crispy crumbled bacon or diced ham are also fantastic additions.
Make it Spicy: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions and garlic, or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Vegetarian Option: Easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding finely diced carrots, celery, or corn along with the potatoes and onions. Sautéing them briefly before adding to the slow cooker can enhance their flavor.
Smoky Flavor: A teaspoon of smoked paprika can add a wonderful smoky depth to the soup, especially if you’re omitting bacon.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different light shredded cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda can offer unique flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh chives, green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of light sour cream are classic garnishes that elevate this soup.
With Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread, sourdough, or even garlic bread for dipping.
Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Sandwich Pairings: A grilled cheese sandwich or a light deli sandwich makes a perfect companion for a hearty soup lunch or dinner.

Storage and Reheating

This creamy potato and cheese soup is excellent for meal prep and leftovers!

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: While potato-based soups can sometimes change texture when frozen (potatoes can become grainy), this soup generally freezes well due to the cream cheese. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the dairy to separate. Reheating in the microwave is also an option, stirring every minute until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making creamy potato and cheese soup in a slow cooker:

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the onions and garlic in a large pot, add potatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Mash the potatoes, then stir in milk and cheeses until melted and creamy. The cooking time will be much shorter.
What kind of cheese is best for cheesy potato soup?
A good melting cheese is key! A blend like mozzarella and cheddar works beautifully. Other great options include Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Using “light” versions helps keep the SmartPoints low.
My soup is too thin/too thick. How can I fix it?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash more of the potatoes to thicken it, or make a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water and stir it into the hot soup until thickened. If it’s too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth or almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add bacon to the soup while it cooks?
You can! Cook and crumble bacon, then add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking or as a garnish when serving. Just be aware that adding it during cooking might slightly increase the SmartPoints, depending on the bacon used.
Is this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth and other ingredients do not contain hidden gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

This creamy slow cooker potato and cheese soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly magical and comforting. It’s the perfect recipe for a cozy night in, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a heartwarming meal to share with loved ones. Enjoy the ease and the incredible flavor!