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Easy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon – Best Cozy Recipe

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This easy crockpot potato soup with bacon is rich, creamy, and perfect for cold days. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the work, delivering a comforting bowl of loaded baked potato soup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3 large potatoes)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon strips in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping once. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble or chop into small pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, add diced onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Prep the potatoes: Peel and dice russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  4. Layer in the crockpot: Add diced potatoes to a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in chicken broth, then add butter, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Mash and cream: Use a potato masher to mash about half the potatoes right in the crockpot. Stir in heavy cream and milk. Let cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Taste and adjust: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve and top: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add dairy only in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling. Use room temperature dairy for best results. For thicker soup, mash more potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry. For thinner soup, add extra broth or milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze before adding dairy for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot potato soup, potato soup with bacon, slow cooker potato soup, loaded potato soup, easy potato soup, comfort food, winter soup

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-crockpot-potato-soup-with-bacon-best-cozy-recipe/