Print

Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Cheddar & Bacon

slow cooker loaded baked potato soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting, creamy slow cooker soup featuring loaded baked potato flavors with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for cozy nights and easy homemade comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions or chives for garnish
  • Sour cream (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Add chopped onions to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Add peeled and diced russet potatoes, cooked bacon (reserve some for garnish), chicken broth, and butter to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender enough to mash easily.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together flour and heavy cream until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker carefully to avoid clumps. Continue cooking uncovered on LOW for 30 minutes to thicken.
  6. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some potatoes inside the slow cooker, leaving some chunks for texture. Add broth or cream if soup is too thick.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved crispy bacon pieces, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Cook bacon separately for crispiness and reserve some for garnish. Add flour and cream mixture near the end to avoid gluey texture. Mash some potatoes for creamy texture but leave chunks for a loaded potato feel. Adjust seasoning gradually due to salty broth and bacon. If soup is too thin after adding cheese and cream, thicken with cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, cheddar cheese soup, bacon soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-slow-cooker-loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-with-cheddar-and-bacon-perfect-for-easy-homemade-comfort-food/