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Cozy Loaded Potato Soup Crockpot Recipe

cozy loaded potato soup crockpot recipe - featured image

A comforting and easy crockpot potato soup loaded with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 g)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (120 ml)
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tbsp flour (can substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the crockpot. Add diced potatoes, cooked bacon (reserve a small handful for garnish), chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together flour and heavy cream until smooth. Pour into the crockpot and stir well to thicken the soup.
  6. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup directly in the crockpot, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in batches in a regular blender and return to the pot.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheddar if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

[‘If the soup gets too thick, stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to loosen the texture.’, ‘Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic to add sweetness and depth.’, ‘Reserve some bacon for garnish to keep a crispy texture contrast.’, ‘Blend only half the soup to keep a creamy but chunky texture.’, ‘Add flour and cream late in cooking to avoid gummy or separated soup.’, ‘Season gradually as slow cookers can mute saltiness.’, ‘Prep ingredients the night before for easy morning assembly.’, ‘For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.’, ‘For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.’, ‘Vegetarian version: omit bacon and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, crockpot soup, loaded potato soup, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, bacon soup, cheesy soup