Description
Warm, creamy, and comforting, this Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is filled with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Let your slow cooker do the work for you while you enjoy the delicious aromas filling your home.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Additional shredded cheese
- Extra bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even cubes.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker:
- Layer the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and salt in your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to distribute evenly.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft.
- Mash and Add Creaminess:
- Once cooked, gently mash the potatoes to your desired consistency using a potato masher. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, paprika, and half of the cooked bacon.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this soup, offering a creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon: The smoky bacon adds depth and crunch that elevates the soup.
- Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a silky-smooth soup, blend some of the potatoes with an immersion blender.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon for a meat-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American