CrockPot Soup Recipes

FAQS

What do Low and High Settings Mean for a Crockpot?

• In general, the HIGH setting of a crock pot is about 280°F. The LOW setting is about 170°F. You usually cook soup for 3-4 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat. (Always refer to your particular crock pot manual to find more specific cook times and guidelines.)
• Most crock pots allow for long cooking times, up to 24 hours on low settings. Note that foods can overcook when cooking longer than what the recipe recommends.

Get the Perfect Soup Consistency?

• Once the initial ingredients are placed in the pot, pour the liquid over them until they’re covered by ½ inch. You can always add more liquid later.
• If you have too much liquid, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to let some of it evaporate. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry, for a thicker consistency.

What Ingredients Should be Added Last to the Crockpot?

• Softer vegetables, like peas, corn, broccoli, baby spinach, kale, and mushrooms should not be simmered for hours or they’ll become mushy.
• Dairy like milk, sour cream, yogurts, and cheese shouldn’t be added until the end otherwise it may curdle after being cooked so long.
• Precook pasta, rice, and seafood before adding in at the end.
• Use dried herbs and add them at the beginning. Add fresh herbs toward the end.
• Toppings like crumbled bacon, oyster crackers or croutons, cheese, or sour cream can be added at the end.

How to Achieve the Best Soup Flavor?

• Add acid. Brighten a soup with a splash of vinegar, lemon, or lime juice.
• Remove spice. If the soup is too spicy or sour, add coconut milk or a bit of brown sugar. It will cut through the harsh flavor and add a bit of sweetness to the soup. 
• Fresh herbs, like fresh basil, fresh parsley, or fresh thyme, add a lot of bright flavor to the dish. 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs = 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Don’t add the fresh herbs until the end of the crock pot cooking time. 
• Dried spices such as chili powder, red pepper flakes, fresh ground pepper, paprika, or ground ginger can also be added for an extra kick.
•  Don’t include any wine. Simmering on the stovetop allows for the alcohol to evaporate leaving a subtle layer of flavor. However, the crock pot does not allow for evaporation and the liquor can quickly take over the recipe.

General Soup Making Tips?

• Bite-size ingredients. Cut all the ingredients to the same size. For example, the chunks of meat and pieces of potatoes should be similar in size.
• Browned meat. If you have time, brown the meat to help bring out a more rich flavor.
• Activate the aromatics. This includes ingredients like onion, bell pepper, celery, or garlic. They are typically sautéed in a pan to get their flavor going, then added to the crock pot.
• Don’t overfill the pot. A properly filled pot should be between ½-¾ of the way full.
• Thaw food, especially meats, before cooking.
• Adjust for high altitude. At high altitudes, you may need to increase the amount of liquid added if you are also using cornstarch or flour as a thickening agent. Add an additional 30 minutes for each hour of time specified in the recipe for anyone cooking at a high altitude. Also, turn the crock pot to the HIGH setting after you have added any “save until the end” ingredients. Cook on high for 5-10 minutes.

Should I use Broth or Stock When Making Soup?

• The foundation of a good soup starts with a great-tasting vegetable, beef or chicken broth, or stock. You can also find versions that are organic, gluten-free, and vegan.
  • Broth is thinner, has fewer calories, and less fat, than stock.
  • Stock (aka bone broth) has slightly more calories, fat, and protein, but also has significantly higher vitamins and minerals.
  • They can be used interchangeably so pick the one that best fits your dietary needs.

How to Store Crock Pot Soup?

• Each recipe includes specific storing directions, but here are some general soup storing tips.
  • Keep soup warm. Once the soup has finished cooking, turn the knob to the warm setting. Soup can be kept warm in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours.
  • Fridge. Most soups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
  • Freezer. Most soups can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the freezer. Remember to leave out the “add at the end” ingredients when making a freezer meal. Thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and throw it in the crock pot.