If there’s one meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, it’s this Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe. Creamy, soothing, and practically hands-off, this is the kind of recipe that saves your sanity on busy weeknights and makes weekends feel extra cozy. You toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a kitchen that smells like comfort itself. Honestly? That’s my kind of cooking.
This soup is simple enough for a Tuesday night but special enough to serve when friends stop by. And if you’re juggling work, family, and about a million to-do lists (been there!), this recipe is here to help—no stress required.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe
Let’s talk about why this soup deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic – The slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
- Budget-friendly comfort food – Potatoes and leeks are humble, affordable stars.
- Creamy without being fussy – No complicated steps, no culinary degree required.
- Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Family-approved – Mild, comforting flavors even picky eaters enjoy.
This is one of those recipes that feels like you tried way harder than you actually did. And we love that for us.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this cozy bowl of goodness:
- 2 large leeks, sliced (discard the thick dark green ends)
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if you like (I usually do)
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, leaf—not ground)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Simple ingredients. Big comfort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup (Step-by-Step)
This Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe is all about easy, approachable steps. Nothing fancy. Nothing stressful.
Step 1: Soften the Leeks
Slice your leeks and give them a good rinse (they like to hide dirt—classic leek behavior). Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the leeks and garlic, and cook until they’re soft and fragrant. Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the softened leeks and garlic to your crock pot. Add the potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, give it a gentle stir, and pop the lid on.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and practically begging to be blended.
Step 4: Blend Carefully
Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth—but don’t overdo it. If you’re using a blender or food processor, work in small batches and blend just until creamy.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and blend just a little more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with chives, and serve hot with crusty bread.
My Best Tips for the Creamiest Soup
- Don’t over-blend – Over-blending potatoes can make soup gummy. Stop while it’s still silky.
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk. Too thin? Let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Want extra richness? A small pat of butter stirred in at the end works wonders.
- No immersion blender? A regular blender works fine—just blend in batches and be careful with hot soup.
If your soup looks thicker than expected, don’t panic. That’s not a problem—that’s comfort waiting to happen.
A Little Kitchen Story From Me
I first leaned hard on this Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe during one of those weeks where everything felt rushed and nothing went according to plan. You know the kind—laundry piled up, emails unanswered, dinner creeping up way too fast.
I tossed this soup into the slow cooker in the morning, and by evening, the house smelled cozy and calm—even if life wasn’t. We ate it with toasted bread, and for a moment, everything felt manageable again. That’s the power of a good slow cooker meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The flavor is still rich and comforting.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
Nope! Yukon Gold potatoes have thin skins. If you like a more rustic texture, leave them on.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup?
Yes—with a small tip. Freeze it before adding the cream. When reheating, add the cream fresh for the best texture.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, this soup keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the soup won’t be as rich. Whole milk is your best bet if you’re swapping.
A Cozy Bowl Worth Repeating
There’s something timeless about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s this easy and comforting. This Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe proves that simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create something truly special. It’s gentle, cozy, and perfect for nights when you just need dinner to take care of itself.
If you give this recipe a try, I hope it brings a little calm, warmth, and comfort to your table—because that’s exactly what good food is supposed to do. Happy slow cooking!

More Cozy Comforts You Might Love
If this Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe warmed your heart (and your kitchen), here are a few more comforting favorites that keep that same cozy, low-effort energy going. These dishes are perfect for slow cooker lovers who enjoy creamy soups, hearty meals, and easy pairings that make dinnertime feel calm instead of rushed:
- Keep the soup mood going with Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup—a hearty, satisfying option that’s perfect when you want something filling and familiar.
- If you love rich, creamy bowls, Creamy Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup is a comforting choice that feels a little indulgent but still easy enough for weeknights.
- For nights when you want something extra hearty, Crock Pot Beef Stew delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor that pairs beautifully with any cozy soup menu.
- No soup night is complete without something to dunk—Garlic Bread Rolls are soft, buttery, and practically made for soaking up every last spoonful.
- And if you enjoy exploring different takes on classic comfort soups, you may also love this version of Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup for another cozy, slow-cooked inspiration.
These comforting ideas keep the warm, homemade feeling going—perfect for building a relaxing, no-stress meal plan you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup Recipe is creamy, comforting, and made with simple pantry ingredients. A cozy, hands-off soup perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
2 large leeks, sliced (dark green ends discarded)
3 tablespoons salted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled if desired
7 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups heavy cream
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Slice and rinse the leeks thoroughly. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and garlic and cook until softened.
Transfer the leek mixture to the slow cooker. Add the potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours, until potatoes are very tender.
Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth, being careful not to over-blend.
Stir in the heavy cream and blend briefly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.
Notes
Do not over-blend or the soup may become gummy.
If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
For best freezing results, freeze before adding the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
