Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup. Packed with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a flavorful broth, this soup is rich, satisfying, and easy to make. With minimal prep time and the magic of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle. Read on for a step-by-step guide, pro tips, and everything you need to make this savory delight.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

This creamy potato bacon soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, so you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. The combination of creamy potatoes and crispy bacon is truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this soup will become a family favorite!

Ingredients

for Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

This creamy potato bacon soup recipe uses a combination of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:

• 6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk (or more for a thinner consistency)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for added richness)

Instructions:

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

This recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof. Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious creamy potato bacon soup ready in no time.

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, making sure they’re all relatively the same size for even cooking.
   • Finely chop the onion and garlic.
   • Cut the bacon into small pieces.

2. Cook the Bacon:

   • In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep a little bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.

3. Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker:

   • Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and cooked bacon to the slow cooker. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, and paprika (if using).
   • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.

4. Blend the Soup:

   • Once the potatoes are soft and cooked through, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the slow cooker. You can blend it to your desired consistency: blend it fully for a smooth texture or blend half of it for a chunky, creamy feel.
   • If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can also transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be careful, as the soup will be hot!

5. Make it Creamy:

   • After blending, add the heavy cream and milk to the soup. Stir well to incorporate. If you want a thicker soup, you can add more milk or cream to your desired consistency.
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Add the Final Touches:

   • Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to add richness and a silky texture to the soup.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the soup and stir until melted for a cheesy finish.
   • Serve hot, topped with extra crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls, garnish with more cheese and green onions, and serve with crusty bread or a side salad. Enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

• For Extra Creaminess: If you want an ultra-creamy soup, substitute half of the milk with additional heavy cream. This will give your soup an even richer texture.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add extra herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker with a potato masher before adding the cream. This will make the soup even heartier.
• Slow Cooker on High: If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours will still yield a deliciously creamy result.
• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or corn to make the soup even heartier. These additions bring more flavor and nutrition to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Fresh potatoes are preferred for better texture. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy

2. Can I freeze the soup? Yes! This creamy potato bacon soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency.

3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can also add sautéed mushrooms to provide a savory depth of flavor.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Conclusion:

Why This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a Must-Try

This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is the perfect solution for a cozy dinner or meal prep. The combination of tender potatoes, savory bacon, and creamy broth is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe will keep everyone satisfied and warm. Try it today and see why this soup is a fan favorite!