When I came across this recipe for crock-pot potato leek soup, it appealed to me for two three reasons:
- It cooks in a crock-pot.
- Wine is an ingredient.
- Supper would be just about ready for Meatless Monday when we got home from work.
I first fell in love with leeks one Spring when I made Cream of Mushroom Soup. Until then, I had never eaten them, nor did I know what to do with them or clean them. You learn quickly that leeks should not be intimidating.
Leeks are a member of the onion family, also related to shallots, chives, and scallions. Leeks have a sweet, delicate flavor all their own and are no way as strong as other family members.
I eyeballed the beautiful leeks I used for this soup in the grocery store. I had no idea what I was going to make with them, but I knew whatever it was going to be good.
This crock-pot potato leek soup has lots of flavor for very little work. Potatoes and leeks slow cooked in a creamy rich wine infused vegetable broth with cheddar cheese. It’s velvety smooth and perfect after a long day away from home.
Let’s make soup!
Ingredients Needed
- Butter: The fat that provides flavor. Unsalted butter is best because you can control the amount of sodium in the soup.
- Russet Potatoes: Russets are best because of their high starch content. They break down easily and provide a smooth, creamy texture.
- Leeks: As a member of the onion family, leeks add a delicious pungent taste to soups. They are very gritty and require special attention when cleaning during food prep. As leeks grow, the grit from the soil gets trapped between the multiple layers of the plant.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, fresh garlic, thyme, and oregano.
- Cooking Liquids:
- Dry White Wine – Chardonnay, Viognier, or Sauvignon Blanc are all recommended for this soup. I actually used a dry Rosé wine the last time I made this. Just remember, never cook with a wine you ain’t gonna drink!
- Vegetable Broth – homemade or store-bought is fine. Of course, if it’s not Meatless Monday, you could use chicken broth.
- Half and Half – Added near the end of the cook to provide creaminess and rich flavor.
- Cheese: I always use freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese for any recipe that calls for cheddar cheese. White cheddar keeps the color white and creamy, but yellow cheese is fine too.
WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE THIS SOUP:
How To Make Crock-Pot Potato Leek Soup
Combine all of the ingredients except for the half-n-half and cheese in the crock-pot. Set the crock-pot on low for 5 to 6 hours.
When the crock-pot is done cooking, stir in the half and half.
Puree the soup until smooth, using an immersion blender or puree in 2 batches in a blender. Return the soup to the crock-pot, if necessary.
Set the crock-pot back on low for an additional 30 more minutes.
When the crock-pot has finished, stir in the cheese to the soup; stir to melt the cheese.
Serve soup with croutons or crusty bread and the rest of the bottle of wine you used for the soup!
Coming home from work on Monday, with supper almost done and an open bottle of wine is a good Monday!
I hope you will try this recipe for the same three reasons I did, or perhaps this will be your first recipe with leeks giving you just another reason to try this soup.
Crock-Pot Potato Leek Soup
Useful Equipment:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 leeks cleaned and thinly sliced, white and light green
- Kosher salt to taste
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme (½ teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 medium Russet Potatoes (about 1½ pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch dice
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1½ cups half and half
- 8 ounces extra-sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients except for the half and half and cheese in the crock-pot. Set the crock-pot on low for 5 and 6 hours.
- When the crock-pot is done cooking, stir in the half and half.
- Puree the soup until smooth, using an immersion blender or puree in 2 batches in a blender. Return the soup to the crock-pot, if necessary.
- Set the crock-pot back on low for an additional 30 more minutes.
- When the crock-pot has finished, stir in the cheese to the soup; stir to melt the cheese. Serve soup with croutons or crusty bread and the rest of the wine used in the soup!
Rachel says
I want to crawl up inside of this bowl. Looks soooo warm & delicious!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks! It would be s great place to borrow up! ?
Colleen says
I may have to use this recipe for a future Crockpot Monday recipe!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Go for it! ?
Annie @ Givememeatloaf says
That soup! And that view! I want it all! 🙂 Sounds delish – haven’t cooked too much with leeks, I’ll have to give this a go!
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks, Lady! Go for it. The leeks are really good. I need more recipes!!
Debbie from MountainMama says
I am so excited to try this for three reasons – 🙂
1. Potato Leek soup is pretty much my all time favorite soup EVER!!
2. Like you, anything I can cook in the crockpot that makes a weeknight dinner quick and easy is a win/win for sure!
3. I just bought leeks the other day and I was planning on making potato leek soup so this post was perfectly timed!
Yay, thanks for sharing – I think my soup will be using chicken broth, though, since I have a giant batch simmering in the crockpot right now!
The Mountain Kitchen says
You cannot go wrong with the chicken broth! I cut it out since this was a Meatless Monday post. I bet your kitchen is smelling good right about now. I hope you enjoy the soup! ?