When the weather turns cold and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining hearty potatoes, rich cheese, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy base to create a dish that feels like a warm hug. This recipe is a favorite for many because it’s simple to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers incredible flavor with every spoonful.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Directions:
- Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
- Using a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the potatoes until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why This Recipe Works
- Set It and Forget It Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of using a crockpot is that it takes all the effort out of cooking. Simply add your ingredients, turn it on, and let the slow cooker do all the hard work. Unlike stovetop cooking, where you have to constantly monitor the pot, the crockpot allows you to go about your day while your soup simmers to perfection. - Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to break down just enough to create a creamy, velvety texture while still maintaining a bit of bite. Unlike boiling potatoes on the stove, which can sometimes lead to overcooking or uneven texture, the crockpot ensures that every spoonful has the perfect consistency. - Rich and Creamy Flavor
The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and cheddar cheese gives this soup its signature creamy texture. As the cheese melts into the broth, it creates a luxurious thickness that coats every bite. The sour cream adds just a touch of tanginess, balancing the richness of the soup. - Smoky, Savory Bacon
Bacon adds an essential depth of flavor to this dish. Cooking the bacon separately before adding it to the soup ensures that it remains crispy while infusing the broth with a slightly smoky taste. The crumbled bacon pieces also provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture. - Customizable for Different Diets
- Want a healthier version? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, swap out heavy cream for low-fat milk, and opt for turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
- Need a vegetarian option? Omit the bacon and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free alternative.
- Looking for a gluten-free option? This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (such as broth and toppings) are carefully selected to be gluten-free.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
- Choose the Right Potatoes
- Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they break down well and create a creamy consistency.
- Yukon Gold potatoes are another great choice if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor and a firmer texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
While it may be tempting to use pre-chopped frozen onions or bottled garlic, using fresh ingredients enhances the depth of flavor. Freshly chopped onions release more natural sweetness during the slow cooking process, making a noticeable difference in the final taste. - Mash or Blend to Your Preferred Consistency
Some people love a chunky potato soup, while others prefer it silky smooth. Using a potato masher will leave some texture in the soup, whereas an immersion blender will create a smooth and velvety base. - Add Cheese at the Right Time
To prevent the cheese from becoming stringy, always add it at the end of cooking, when the soup has slightly cooled. Stirring cheese into overly hot soup can cause it to clump together instead of melting evenly. - Season Gradually
Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. Adding salt at the beginning allows it to infuse into the potatoes, but you may need to add more toward the end. - Don’t Skip the Toppings
While the soup itself is delicious, toppings take it to the next level. Sprinkle on extra cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
The History and Popularity of Potato Soup
Potato soup has been enjoyed for centuries across different cultures. In Europe, variations of this dish have been common for hundreds of years, with many regions incorporating local ingredients like leeks, carrots, and herbs. The Irish, in particular, have a strong connection to potato-based dishes due to the potato’s historical significance as a staple crop.
In the United States, loaded potato soup became popular as a restaurant dish, often served in bread bowls or alongside a sandwich. The “loaded” aspect—adding bacon, cheese, and sour cream—was inspired by baked potatoes, another well-loved comfort food. Combining the best parts of baked potatoes and traditional potato soup created an instant classic that continues to be a favorite today.
With the rise of slow cookers, this dish became even more accessible to home cooks, allowing for easy preparation with minimal effort. Today, loaded potato soup is a staple in many households, especially during fall and winter months when warm, hearty meals are most comforting.
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
- Pair with Crusty Bread
- A warm baguette or garlic bread makes an excellent side, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Serve with a Side Salad
- Balance out the richness with a fresh Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Make It a Complete Meal
- Serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, BLT, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying and well-rounded dinner.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm up the soup on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Freeze: This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that the dairy may separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the cheese and cream, then mix them in when reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is a simple, satisfying, and incredibly comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a warming lunch on a cold day, or something hearty to serve at a gathering, this recipe has you covered. The combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and rich flavors makes every bite pure comfort.
With its easy preparation, rich taste, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder that this dish remains a favorite for home cooks everywhere. Try this recipe today and experience the cozy delight of homemade potato soup straight from your crockpot.