Creating your Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Load the Crockpot: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
3. Stir Well: Mix all ingredients to ensure the potatoes are well coated with the broth and spices.
4. Set Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Blend the Soup: Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup.
6. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to warm through.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve: Serve your soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon if desired.

Following these steps ensures a hearty and delicious potato soup. It is an incredibly satisfying dish that is sure to please all palates.