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Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Soup Recipe with Crispy Bacon

creamy slow cooker potato soup - featured image

A cozy, creamy potato soup slow-cooked to perfection and topped with crispy bacon for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble and set aside, reserving a bit of the rendered fat if desired.
  2. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. If you saved bacon fat, swirl about 1 tablespoon in for extra smoky flavor.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Avoid opening the lid too often.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree about half the soup directly in the slow cooker, creating a creamy base while leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and softened butter until fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let cook for another 10 minutes on low to warm through and thicken.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, allowing it to melt smoothly into the soup. Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley for a fresh finish.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of crispy bacon crumbles.

Notes

If soup is too thick after adding cream, add a splash more broth or water to reach desired consistency. Season gradually as slow cookers can mute saltiness. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free butter. For low-carb, replace some potatoes with cauliflower. Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy and add as topping just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, slow cooker soup, creamy potato soup, crispy bacon, comfort food, easy soup recipe, slow cooker recipes