How Do You Thicken Potato Soup in a Crock Pot? 7 Best Ways!

How do you thicken potato soup in a crock pot? If your soup turns out too thin, don’t worry—there are multiple ways to fix it! Whether you prefer using traditional thickeners like flour and cornstarch or want flour-free options like mashed potatoes, dairy, or pureed vegetables, this guide has everything you need. By the end, you’ll know the best ways to make your soup rich, creamy, and satisfying.

How Do You Thicken Potato Soup in a Crock Pot?

Before jumping into solutions, it’s essential to understand why your potato soup might be too watery. Several factors can contribute to this issue:

• Too much liquid – Adding excessive broth, water, or milk can make the soup thinner than desired.
• Low starch content – Potatoes release starch as they cook, helping to thicken the soup naturally. However, some varieties (like red potatoes) have lower starch content.
• Long cooking time – Extended cooking in a slow cooker can break down the potatoes too much, leading to a thinner consistency.
• Ingredient choices – Dairy and cream-based soups tend to be thicker, while broth-based soups might require extra thickening.

Now that we understand the causes, let’s explore the best ways to thicken potato soup in a crock pot.

Learn more about the best sandwich for potato soup:
👉 Best Sandwich for Potato Soup

Best Ways to Thicken Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

1. Mashing Some of the Potatoes

One of the simplest ways to thicken crock pot potato soup is to mash some of the potatoes. This method works because potatoes contain natural starch that thickens the liquid.

How to do it:

• Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash about one-third of the cooked potatoes.
• Stir well to distribute the starch and create a thicker texture.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.

2. Adding Instant Potato Flakes

Instant mashed potatoes are a fantastic thickening agent because they quickly absorb liquid and add body to the soup.

How to do it:

• Stir in ¼ cup of instant potato flakes at a time.
• Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes and stir again.
• Add more flakes if needed, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can make the soup too thick.
• Discover comforting soup recipes:
  👉 Grandma’s Chicken Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food

3. Using Cornstarch Slurry

Cornstarch is a powerful thickener that works well for soups and stews.

How to do it:

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of cold water until smooth.
• Slowly pour the slurry into the soup while stirring constantly.
• Cover and cook for another 10–15 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.

Thickening Potato Soup Without Flour

If you want to thicken your potato soup without using flour, there are plenty of effective alternatives. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or just looking for a different approach, these methods will help you achieve a creamy and hearty consistency.

4. Adding Heavy Cream or Sour Cream

Dairy products like heavy cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt can add richness and thickness to your potato soup.

How to do it:

• Stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For a tangy twist, add ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt and mix well.
• Avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy, as it may curdle.

5. Cheese as a Thickener

Cheese not only enhances the flavor but also helps thicken the soup naturally. Cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese are great options.

How to do it:

• Shred 1 to 2 cups of cheddar cheese and stir it into the soup until melted.
• Add ½ cup of cream cheese, cut into small cubes, and let it blend smoothly into the soup.
• Stir constantly to prevent clumping.

6. Blending Some Vegetables

Vegetables like carrots and cauliflower can act as natural thickeners when blended into the soup.

How to do it:

• Remove one to two cups of the soup (with potatoes and other veggies) and blend until smooth.
• Pour it back into the crock pot and stir well.
• Let the soup cook for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

How to Thicken Potato Soup in a Slow Cooker

If your crock pot potato soup is still too thin, follow these additional methods designed specifically for slow cooking.

7. Using a Roux (Butter and Flour Mixture)

A roux is a classic thickener made from butter and flour.

How to do it:

• Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly add ½ cup of the hot soup broth, whisking until smooth.
• Pour the roux back into the crock pot and stir well.

8. Making a Beurre Manié (Butter and Flour Paste)

This French technique is an easy way to thicken soups without lumps.

How to do it:

• Mix equal parts softened butter and flour (about 2 tablespoons each) into a smooth paste.
• Drop small pieces into the soup and stir until melted.
• Let the soup cook for 15–20 minutes to thicken.

Flour-Free Ways to Thicken Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

If you’re looking for ways to thicken your potato soup without using flour, here are some additional effective methods that enhance texture without altering the flavor.

9. Adding Cooked Rice or Quinoa

Cooked grains like rice or quinoa absorb liquid and naturally thicken soups.

How to do it:

• Add ½ to 1 cup of cooked rice or quinoa into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Stir well and let the grains soak up some of the broth.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a smoother consistency.

10. Using Beans or Lentils

Pureed beans or lentils add thickness and protein without changing the taste significantly.

How to do it:

• Drain and rinse ½ cup of white beans or chickpeas (or cook dried lentils).
• Blend them with some broth until smooth, then mix into the soup.
• Let the soup cook for another 15 minutes to absorb the thickening effects.

11. Adding Egg Yolk

Egg yolks add richness and act as a natural thickener.

How to do it:

• In a bowl, whisk one egg yolk with ¼ cup of warm broth to temper it.
• Slowly pour the mixture back into the soup while stirring continuously.
• Cook on low for another 5 minutes (avoid boiling to prevent scrambling the egg).

Check out another crock pot potato soup recipe:
👉 Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Potato Soup is Too Watery

If you’ve tried thickening your crock pot potato soup and it’s still too thin, consider these last-resort fixes:

Frequently Asked Questions About Thickening Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

Conclusion

Thickening potato soup in a crock pot is simple when you know the right techniques. Whether you use natural starches from potatoes, dairy for richness, or thickening agents like cornstarch, you can achieve the perfect consistency. If your soup is too watery, mashing some of the potatoes, blending a portion, or adding instant potato flakes can help.

For a flour-free option, dairy, pureed vegetables, and alternative starches work great. Experiment with these methods to find your preferred texture, and enjoy a creamy, comforting bowl of potato soup every time.

Looking for alternative thickening techniques for soups?
👉 What Can I Use to Thicken Taco Soup?

How to Thicken Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

Chef Carol

If your potato soup is too thin, don’t worry! There are multiple ways to thicken it in a crock pot. Whether you prefer using traditional thickeners like flour and cornstarch or want flour-free options like mashed potatoes, dairy, or pureed vegetables, this guide will help you achieve a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Equipment

• Potato Masher – For mashing cooked potatoes to release natural starch.
• Immersion Blender – To blend part of the soup for a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Whisk – For mixing cornstarch slurry, roux, or beurre manié (butter and flour paste).
• Small Bowl – To mix slurries, egg yolk, or dairy before adding to the soup.
• Saucepan – If making a roux or beurre manié separately before adding to the soup.
• Ladle – For stirring and serving the soup.
• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) – Essential for cooking potato soup over low heat.

Ingredients

  

• Traditional Thickening Methods:
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + ¼ cup cold water cornstarch slurry
• 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour roux
• ¼ to ½ cup instant mashed potato flakes
• Flour-Free Thickening Options:
• ½ to 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cooked white beans or chickpeas blended
• ½ to 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1 egg yolk + ¼ cup warm broth tempered
• Natural Thickening Methods:
• ⅓ of the cooked potatoes mashed
• 1-2 cups of soup blended for a creamy texture
• ½ to 1 cup blended cauliflower or carrots

Instructions

 

• Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash about ⅓ of the cooked potatoes. Stir well to release natural starch and thicken the soup.
• Use Instant Mashed Potato Flakes: Stir in ¼ cup at a time, let sit for a few minutes, and adjust thickness as needed.
• Make a Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water until smooth. Stir it into the soup and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
• Add Dairy (Cream, Sour Cream, or Cheese): Stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Add shredded cheese and mix until melted.
• Blend Some Vegetables: Remove 1-2 cups of the soup, blend until smooth, and return to the pot. Let cook for another 15 minutes.
• Use a Roux (Butter & Flour): Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pan, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cook for 1 minute, then slowly add ½ cup hot soup broth. Pour back into the crock pot and stir.
• Try Cooked Rice, Beans, or Lentils: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of cooked grains or pureed beans for natural thickness.
• Use an Egg Yolk: In a separate bowl, whisk an egg yolk with ¼ cup warm broth. Slowly stir back into the soup (do not boil).
• Let the Soup Reduce: Remove the lid and let the soup simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch, instant potato flakes, or blended vegetables instead of flour.
Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
Experiment with different thickeners to achieve your desired consistency.

Keyword Best way to thicken slow cooker soup, Cornstarch vs. flour for thickening soup, How to fix watery potato soup, How to make potato soup thicker, How to thicken potato soup in a crock pot, Thickening potato soup without flour