If there’s one comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it’s definitely loaded potato soup. The combination of tender potatoes, creamy broth, crispy bacon, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. And when you throw it all into a Crock Pot, you get a hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights in. Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of this hearty, flavorful soup filling your home-what could be better?
Today, we’re diving deep into a simple, yet decadent Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe. It’s an easy-to-follow guide, complete with ingredient insights, cooking tips, and variations to make this recipe truly your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just starting to explore the world of slow cooking, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
This slow cooker-loaded potato soup is not just creamy, but packed with flavor and texture. The beauty of using a Crock Pot is that it does the heavy lifting for you, infusing all the ingredients with richness and tenderness without you having to hover over the stove. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your tastes, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing in advance for meal prepping.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to prepare this delicious soup, here’s a rundown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make it:
- Russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized): The backbone of this recipe, russet potatoes offer that fluffy interior that makes the soup creamy without being overly starchy.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and a slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced): For that savory punch.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version, but chicken broth brings out a deeper, richer flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): To create the ultra-creamy texture you want from a loaded potato soup.
- Milk (1 cup): A balance to the cream, making sure the soup isn’t too rich.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): For that iconic, melty cheese layer that completes the soup.
- Bacon (6 strips, cooked and crumbled): Because, let’s face it, bacon makes everything better. It adds crunch and that smoky, salty flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course, to bring out the flavors in the soup.
- Chives or green onions (for garnish): For a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor to balance the richness.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get into the cooking process. Don’t worry, it’s pretty simple!
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Prepare The Ingredients
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. You don’t have to be too precise here, but try to make them uniform so they cook evenly.
- Dice the onion and garlic.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
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Load The Crock Pot
- Place the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, and cooked bacon into the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Make sure the potatoes are mostly submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking.
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Cook
- Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for about 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easily mashable with a fork by the end of the cooking time.
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Mash And Creamify
- Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the potatoes slightly. You don’t want to turn it into a puree, just a rough mash to thicken the soup.
- Stir in the heavy cream and milk, and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, uncovered, to allow the soup to thicken and become rich.
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Add Cheese
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the soup, making it extra creamy and cheesy.
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Season And Serve
- Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Spoon the soup into bowls and top with the remaining crumbled bacon, chives, or green onions for garnish.
Ingredient Insights
- Russet Potatoes: Russets are your best bet for this recipe because they’re high in starch, which gives the soup that satisfying, velvety texture. They break down well during slow cooking, creating a naturally thickened base for the soup.
- Heavy Cream vs. Milk: The balance of both is crucial. The heavy cream provides the richness and smooth texture, while the milk keeps it from being too heavy, creating a well-rounded, creamy soup. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, though the flavor will change.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal because it melts well and adds a nice bite to the soup. You can experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella for a more melty consistency or a blend of cheeses like Gouda for extra depth.
- Bacon: You can’t go wrong with bacon in this recipe, but if you’re looking for a healthier version, try turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked paprika for that bacon-esque flavor.
Expert Tips
- Layered Flavor: Sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of butter or olive oil before adding them to the Crock Pot. This enhances their flavor, giving the soup a more complex base.
- Thickening the Soup: If your soup turns out thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by mashing more potatoes or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water. Stir it into the soup and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: This soup stores beautifully! Prepare the soup and let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months-just be aware the texture might change slightly after freezing and reheating.
- Adjust for Consistency: If you like a thinner soup, simply add more broth or milk. For a thicker, heartier soup, mash the potatoes more, or let it cook longer uncovered to reduce some of the liquid.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ways to make this loaded potato soup your own:
- Spicy Loaded Potato Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it some heat. For an even spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture, and sprinkle with a bit of smoked paprika for flavor.
- Toppings Galore: You can get creative with toppings! Try adding sour cream, shredded cheese, or even crumbled tortilla chips for some crunch. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add brightness to the rich soup.
Final Words
Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food, effortlessly combining simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, as you can tweak the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal on a lazy day, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.