Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

Here’s a cozy, hearty, and ultra-comforting recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup — creamy, smoky, and perfect for chilly nights or lazy Sundays.

🥣 Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

🧂 Ingredients:

• Main Soup:

  • 6 cups diced russet or Yukon gold potatoes (peeled)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups chicken broth

  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

• For Creaminess:

  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, but adds great tang)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• Bacon:

  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
    (Save a bit of the bacon grease — optional but adds flavor)

• Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):

  • Extra shredded cheddar

  • Chopped green onions or chives

  • Extra crispy bacon bits

  • Crackers or crusty bread on the side

🔪 Instructions:

1. Assemble in Slow Cooker:

• Add diced potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the crockpot.

• Stir to combine.

2. Cook:

• Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Mash or Blend:

• Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for a smoother consistency (or do a mix of both!).

4. Add Creamy Elements:

• In a small bowl, whisk flour into the half-and-half (or cream) until smooth.

• Stir the cream mixture into the soup.

• Add sour cream, cheddar cheese, and most of the cooked bacon.

• Let cook another 20–30 minutes on HIGH to thicken and melt everything together.

5. Taste & Adjust:

• Add more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed.

6. Serve & Garnish:

• Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions or chives.

📝 Tips & Variations:

• No flour? Just mash/blend more potatoes for natural thickening.

• Want it smokier? Add a dash of smoked paprika or stir in some of the saved bacon grease.

• Vegetarian option: Skip bacon and use vegetable broth; add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth.