When it comes to soul-warming comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup. Rich, velvety, and packed with smoky bacon and tender potatoes, this soup is the perfect dinner for chilly nights. The best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work—just set it, forget it, and come back to a hearty meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Load the Slow Cooker
Place potatoes, onion, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and can be easily mashed.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Cook until slightly thickened. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.
Step 4: Blend for Smoothness
Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some (but not all) of the potatoes in the slow cooker. This gives the soup a creamy base while keeping some chunks for texture.
Step 5: Add Bacon & Cheese
Stir in crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish) and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh parsley or chives. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Lighter version: Swap heavy cream for milk and use turkey bacon.
- Extra veggies: Add carrots, celery, or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with jalapeños.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is everything you want in a comfort food recipe—easy, hearty, and full of flavor. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation.
