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Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup – Ultimate Comfort Food
This slow cooker loaded potato soup is the perfect snow day comfort food: creamy, hearty, and filled with tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory bacon bits. With simple ingredients and an easy crockpot method, it makes a satisfying family meal with very little hands-on work.
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: Not provided
- Cook Time: Not provided
- Total Time: Not provided
- Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Easy crockpot preparation: Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, and broth to the slow cooker, then let it do most of the work.
- Rich, comforting flavor: Heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits give this soup the classic taste of a loaded baked potato.
- Perfect for cold days: A warm bowl of creamy potato soup is especially inviting on snow days or chilly evenings.
- Flexible texture: Mash some of the potatoes for a thicker soup while keeping plenty of tender potato pieces in every serving.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, for garnish
How to Make It
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and broth to the crockpot. Place the peeled and diced potatoes in the slow cooker along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and broth. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender. Keep the lid on while the soup cooks. The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture. Mash only some of the potatoes so the soup becomes creamy and thick while still retaining hearty potato pieces.
Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Add the cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits directly to the crockpot. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the cheese begins to blend into the soup.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the soup carefully and add salt and pepper according to your preference.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. Continue cooking on low so the flavors combine and the cheese and cream fully warm through.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions. Ladle the loaded potato soup into bowls and finish each serving with green onions.
How to Serve It
- Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or green onions for an even more loaded baked potato flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or crackers for dipping.
- Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the soup.
How to Store It
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few days.
For longer storage, place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Warm it until hot, but avoid excessive heat or boiling, which can affect the creamy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces so they cook at a consistent rate.
- Mash only part of the potatoes to create a thick, hearty soup without removing all of the texture.
- Add the cream, cheese, and bacon bits after the potatoes become tender so the dairy stays smooth and the toppings retain their flavor.
Optional Variations
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Add extra cheddar cheese or replace some of it with another melting cheese for a different flavor.
- Stir in additional toppings such as sour cream, extra bacon bits, or chopped green onions when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen potatoes for this slow cooker soup?
Yes. Frozen potatoes can be used as an easy alternative, though the texture and cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of frozen potatoes.
Can I make this soup with vegetable broth?
Yes. The recipe lists chicken or vegetable broth, so vegetable broth works well when you prefer a vegetarian-friendly base.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Mash more of the cooked potatoes with a potato masher. This thickens the soup naturally while keeping some potato pieces intact.
Can I prepare this loaded potato soup ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the soup, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving and stir well.
What toppings go well with loaded potato soup?
Green onions, extra cheddar cheese, and bacon bits complement the soup especially well and enhance its loaded baked potato flavor.
Loaded Potato Soup
This creamy slow cooker loaded potato soup is a comforting meal filled with tender potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory bacon bits, perfect for snow days.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
Seasoning and Garnish
- to taste salt and pepper
- green onions, for garnish Chopped.
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, and broth to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker texture while retaining hearty potato pieces.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until evenly distributed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to combine flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
Cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces for even cooking. Optional toppings include extra cheese or bacon bits.
