Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dice the celery. Peel and dice the carrots, dice the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Wash and peel the Yukon Gold potatoes, then cut them into 1/2–3/4-inch chunks.
Slow Cook the Soup
- Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Thicken the Soup
- Near the end of the cooking time, add the flour and water to a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
- Pour the flour slurry, heavy cream, and sour cream into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Replace the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 10 minutes.
Finish and Serve
- While the soup finishes cooking, shred the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions.
- Remove the lid and use a potato masher to break the potato chunks into smaller pieces. Leave some pieces intact for a hearty texture.
- Add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the sliced green onions.
- Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serving size: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, with about 1 1/2 cups per serving.
- Broth: Use a flavorful chicken broth because much of the soup’s flavor comes from the broth. Chicken bouillon mixed with water may also be used.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes create a naturally creamy texture while still holding their shape during slow cooking.
- Soup texture: Mash more of the potatoes for a smoother soup or leave larger chunks for a heartier texture.
- Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Consistency: The soup will continue to thicken as it cools. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating if needed.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding the dairy.
