There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup on a chilly day. This hearty soup combines tender chunks of potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy broth to create a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Best of all, using a slow cooker allows you to set it and forget it, giving you a delicious, homemade soup without the fuss of constant stirring or monitoring.
This soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy night in, and it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a flavorful and creamy potato bacon soup using your slow cooker, with tips on how to customize it to suit your tastes.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon makes for an indulgent, velvety soup that’s full of flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
This simple soup relies on a few key ingredients to deliver big flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional for added richness)
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble the bacon and set it aside. Reserve some bacon for garnishing the soup before serving.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping) into the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Make it Creamy: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to slightly mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some chunks for texture. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), butter (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low, until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls and top with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh chives or green onions. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Best Potato Bacon Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they break down well during cooking, creating a naturally creamy texture. If you prefer firmer potatoes, Yukon Golds are a good alternative.
- Add Dairy at the End: To avoid curdling, always add the cream or dairy products at the end of the cooking process after the soup has finished cooking.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the soup before adding the cream.
- Adjust the Texture: For a chunkier soup, mash fewer potatoes or blend just half of the soup with an immersion blender.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Add some extra spices or herbs for added flavor.
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top the soup with all your favorite baked potato toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked and shredded chicken or ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup: Increase the cheese for an extra indulgent version. Stir in more cheddar or even a bit of cream cheese for a rich, cheesy base.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for those days when you want something warm, filling, and easy to make. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Best of all, using the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. Serve it with some warm bread and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic soup!
