When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and all your favorite toppings, this crockpot recipe is comfort food at its best. The best part? It’s a true dump-and-go meal—just toss in the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Whether you’re planning an easy family dinner or hosting friends on a cozy night in, this hearty soup will leave everyone asking for seconds. If you love creamy soups, you’ll also enjoy my easy slow cooker potato soup for another comforting option.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
- Effortless preparation with a simple dump-and-go method.
- Rich and creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Family-friendly, satisfying, and sure to please even picky eaters.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings.
Easy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and hearty slow cooker loaded baked potato soup that is perfect for cold weather and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 10 slices cooked bacon, broken into pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ⅓ cups sour cream
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Green onions for serving
Instructions
- Place the chopped potatoes, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, parsley, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher for a creamy texture.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt until well combined.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the soup to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
- Feel free to add other toppings like additional cheese or croutons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a delicious Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gold potatoes: These creamy potatoes are perfect for soups, providing a buttery texture.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, bacon adds a savory crunch and smoky flavor.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.
- Chicken broth: This forms the soup’s base, adding richness and flavor. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Parsley: Dried or fresh, parsley adds a hint of freshness and color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors in the soup.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, cheesy delight.
- Sour cream: This adds tanginess and creaminess, making the soup even richer.
- Greek yogurt: A healthier alternative to sour cream, it adds creaminess and protein.
- Cornstarch: Optional for thickening the soup, giving it a heartier texture.
- Green onions: These are perfect for garnishing, adding a fresh crunch and color.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can add extra toppings like croutons or more cheese to make it your own.
How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and chopping the gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend well in the soup. Next, break the cooked bacon into small pieces. Dicing the onion and mincing the garlic are essential steps too. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor, so don’t skimp on quality. The aroma of fresh garlic and onion will have your kitchen smelling divine!
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Layer all your prepared ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with the chopped potatoes, followed by the bacon, onion, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle the parsley, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper on top. This dump-and-go crockpot recipe is as easy as it sounds! Just cover the slow cooker, and you’re ready to let it work its magic.
Step 3: Cooking Time
Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The key is to check for tenderness; the potatoes should be soft enough to mash easily. If you’re busy, this hearty crockpot dinner will be waiting for you when you return. Just imagine the cozy aroma filling your home as it cooks!
Step 4: Mash and Mix
Once the cooking time is up, grab a potato masher and mash some of the potatoes right in the slow cooker. This creates a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt. The combination of these ingredients makes this soup rich and creamy, perfect for a cozy cold-weather soup.
Step 5: Thicken if Desired
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add this to the soup and stir well. Let it cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on high. This step is optional, but it can elevate your slow cooked potato chowder to a whole new level of heartiness!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still hot. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. This simple touch adds a pop of color and flavor. Your family will love this family-friendly soup recipe, and you’ll enjoy the compliments that come your way!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the mashing step; it creates a creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; everyone loves a personalized touch!
- For a vegetarian version, swap bacon for mushrooms or extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: A must-have for this recipe; any size will do!
- Potato Masher: Essential for achieving that creamy texture; a fork works in a pinch.
- Chopping Knife: For prepping your ingredients; a sturdy chef’s knife is ideal.
- Cutting Board: A safe space for chopping; any clean surface will suffice.
Variations To Try
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Loaded Toppings: Top with crispy fried onions, extra cheese, or even chili for a loaded experience.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative that’s still creamy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
- For a cozy presentation, serve in rustic bowls topped with extra cheese.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Absolutely! This slow cooker meal prep soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this creamy slow cooker potato soup. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or replace it with sautéed mushrooms for a savory flavor. This will still give you a delicious rich and creamy crockpot soup experience.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. This will transform your slow cooker loaded chowder into a delightful spicy treat!
What toppings do you recommend?
Get creative with toppings! I love adding extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream. Green onions are a must for that fresh crunch. These toppings make this hearty crockpot dinner even more enjoyable!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a bowl of pure comfort. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something cozy and satisfying. If you enjoy hearty flavors, try my spicy sausage potato soup for a zesty twist, or keep it veggie-packed with this creamy vegetable soup. Each recipe brings warmth to your table and makes cooking stress-free.
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