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Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon

Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Crispy Bacon - featured image
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This creamy, velvety potato soup is made effortlessly in the slow cooker with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, cream cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Rinse in cold water and drain well.
  2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Place the diced potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, just covering the potatoes.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. While the soup cooks, cook the chopped bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat if desired.
  6. Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash them in the slow cooker (about 10-12 mashes) for a chunky texture, or use an immersion blender for a smooth soup.
  7. Reduce the slow cooker to WARM or LOW. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir until melted. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and combined.
  8. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth or milk.
  9. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon, extra cheese, and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

The soup thickens as it sits, so add an extra 1/2 cup of broth if making ahead. Keep bacon separate until serving to maintain crispiness. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit bacon, adding smoked paprika for flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker potato soup, easy potato soup, bacon potato soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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