Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients:

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. This can be done in advance to save time on the day you plan to make the soup.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:

In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and crumbled bacon. Pour in the chicken broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

3. Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. The slow cooking process will allow the flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich, savory base.

4. Mash the Potatoes:

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes in the slow cooker. You can mash them as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferred soup consistency. Mashing some of the potatoes helps thicken the soup and gives it that creamy texture. If you like a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend it further.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese:

Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes velvety and creamy. For extra richness, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter.

6. Taste and Adjust:

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste.

7. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect accompaniment.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this soup because they break down easily and create a creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great option if you prefer a slightly firmer texture.
• Crisp the Bacon First: For the best flavor, cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the slow cooker. This will ensure it holds its texture and doesn’t become too soggy.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or mash more of the potatoes. For a thinner soup, simply add a little extra chicken broth or cream.
• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. This will add a nice contrast to the creamy base.
• Add Extra Veggies: While the classic version focuses on potatoes, you can customize the soup with additional veggies like carrots, celery, or leeks. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the slow cooker at the beginning.

Why Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a Winner

This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is the epitome of comfort food. The tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy broth combine to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade soup with minimal effort.

Not only is this soup a hit for cozy dinners, but it also makes a great dish for meal prepping. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors actually improve after a day or two. You can even freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.

Serving Suggestions

• With Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious creamy broth.
• Top with Sour Cream: For an extra indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream on top of your soup to balance the richness.
• With a Side Salad: Pair your creamy soup with a fresh, light side salad to add some crunch and balance out the richness of the dish.

Conclusion: A Cozy Comfort Food Staple

Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is the perfect dish for those who crave comfort, flavor, and ease. The creamy texture, combined with the savory bacon and tender potatoes, makes this soup the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, packing it for lunch, or preparing it for a family gathering, this soup is sure to satisfy.

With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give this hearty soup a try, and enjoy the warmth and coziness it brings to your table.