Table of Contents: Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Remember those cozy nights in, the aroma of something delicious simmering on the stove, and the feeling of pure contentment with every spoonful? As we get a little older, those simple pleasures become even more precious.

This Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a direct line to those memories – a warm, creamy hug in a bowl that’s unbelievably easy to make. It’s the perfect recipe for a relaxed evening, a chilly weekend, or when you need a little extra comfort.

This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a fully loaded experience! We’re talking crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, a swirl of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth you just can’t achieve with a quick stovetop version.

It’s a creamy soup that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Forget spending hours stirring – let your slow cooker do the work! This potato soup crockpot recipe is a game-changer.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a hearty family dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, this soup delivers. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe under names like “Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon,” “Loaded Potato Chowder,” or simply “Easy Potato Soup.” There are countless ways to customize this slow-cooker loaded baked potato soup to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked Gouda. Some variations include adding roasted garlic for an even deeper flavor, or incorporating a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Ingredients: Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

* 8 slices bacon, chopped
* 2 onions, chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* ½ teaspoon dried thyme
* 5 ½ cups chicken broth
* 3 pounds Red Bliss potatoes, peeled and sliced ½ inch thick
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 ounces white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (approximately 2 cups)

* 1 cup heavy cream
* ¼ cup minced fresh chives
* Sour cream, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the sliced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Season generously with salt and pepper. Chef’s Tip: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Create the Creamy Base: Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Chef’s Tip: Don’t over-blend! You want to leave some chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer portions of the soup to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the slow cooker.
6. Add the Cheese & Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. How do you get a creamy texture in potato soup? Using an immersion blender and adding heavy cream are key!

7. Stir in Bacon & Serve: Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish & Enjoy: Ladle the slow-cooker loaded baked potato soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time (Low): 6-8 hours
Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes (Low) or 3 hours 20 minutes – 4 hours 20 minutes (High)
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 350-400 per serving (depending on toppings)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This slow-cooker loaded baked potato soup recipe works because of the slow cooking process. It allows the flavors of the bacon, onions, garlic, and thyme to infuse the broth and potatoes, creating a rich and satisfying base. The partial blending provides a lovely texture – creamy but not completely smooth.

Using Red Bliss potatoes is also important. They hold their shape well during slow cooking and have a naturally buttery flavor. This recipe is truly easy comfort food for family dinners and is a fantastic way to use up extra potatoes. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the soup won’t be quite as decadent.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover potato soup crockpot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The creaminess might separate a bit. To minimize this, allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. It’s best to freeze it without the sour cream and chives, adding those when you reheat. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 2-3 minute intervals, stirring in between. If the soup has separated, whisk it vigorously while reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

People Also Ask: Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

How do you make loaded baked potato soup in a slow cooker?

This slow-cooker loaded baked potato soup is incredibly simple! You start by cooking bacon, then sautéing onions and garlic. These are added to the slow cooker with sliced potatoes and chicken broth. The soup cooks for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 on high) until the potatoes are tender.

Then, you partially blend it, stir in cheese and cream, and top with your favorite goodies like more bacon, sour cream, and chives. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making it a hands-off recipe perfect for busy days.

What toppings are best for loaded potato soup?

The beauty of loaded baked potato soup is its versatility! While bacon, sour cream, and chives are classic, don’t be afraid to get creative. Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) is a must. Other fantastic toppings include crumbled blue cheese, a sprinkle of paprika, chopped green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a swirl of pesto. For a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed potato chips or fried onions.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

While fresh potatoes are recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen diced potatoes in a pinch. However, be aware that they may become a bit mushier during the slow cooking process. If using frozen potatoes, reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 hours, and check for tenderness frequently. You may also need to adjust the amount of broth, as frozen potatoes release more liquid.

How do you get a creamy texture in potato soup?

Achieving a perfectly creamy texture in this creamy soup is all about technique. Partially blending the soup with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender in batches) is crucial. Don’t over-blend, or it will become gluey. Adding a generous amount of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version) also contributes to the creaminess. The starch released from the potatoes as they cook naturally thickens the soup, creating a velvety smooth base.

Conclusion: Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

So there you have it – a truly comforting and satisfying Slow-Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup that’s guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic of slow cooking for yourself. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and make it your own!

I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your photos and comments below – let me know what variations you tried and what your family thought!