Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich cream into a creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy evenings. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

This recipe features simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful soup. You’ll need

  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped and cooked to crispy perfection.
  • 2 pounds of russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes.
  • Aromatics like minced garlic and diced yellow onion for depth of flavor.
  • 32 ounces of Zoup! Good, Really Good® Chicken Bone Broth to add richness.
  • Seasonings including salt, black pepper, and thyme to enhance the flavor.
  • Creamy additions like cream cheese and heavy cream for a luscious texture.
  • Optional toppings like shredded cheddar, chives, crisp bacon pieces, and sour cream to customize your bowl.

Instructions

Making this soup is as easy as combining ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until it’s crisp, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Prepare the potatoes by scrubbing, drying, and dicing them into cubes. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, garlic, onion, chicken bone broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and thyme) to your slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or LOW for 6 hours, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
  5. Mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to achieve your desired consistency while retaining some chunks for texture.
  6. Stir in the cream cheese cubes and heavy cream, then let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a creamy finish.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheddar, chives, crisp bacon pieces, or a dollop of sour cream.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

  1. Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon pieces, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
  2. Pair It Perfectly: Serve with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a fresh side salad to complement the soup’s creamy richness.
  3. Family-Friendly Add-Ons: Offer a toppings bar with options like croutons, green onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika so everyone can customize their bowl.

Storing Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream content, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating Tips

  1. Stovetop: Reheat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
  2. Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  3. Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to prevent the cream from separating and to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Slow Cooker Potato Soup fresh and delicious every time, whether you’re serving it right away or enjoying leftovers!

Variations

1. Loaded Potato Soup
Add a baked potato twist by incorporating extra toppings like crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to mimic a fully loaded baked potato.

2. Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup
Add 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy, hearty variation.

3. Creamy Cauliflower and Potato Soup
Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter version with a creamy texture and a slight nutritional boost.

4. Spicy Kick Potato Soup
Give the soup a spicy flair by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra heat.

5. Vegetarian Potato Soup
Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Add diced carrots and celery for additional flavor and texture.

6. Ham and Potato Soup
Replace the bacon with diced cooked ham or leftover holiday ham for a delicious twist. The ham adds a smoky and savory element to the soup.

7. Potato Corn Chowder
Add 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) to the slow cooker. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the creamy potato base.

8. Herbaceous Potato Soup
Enhance the soup’s flavor by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or dill just before serving. This adds a bright and fresh note to the dish.

9. Dairy-Free Potato Soup
Use coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer instead of heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cream cheese and toppings for a lactose-free version.

10. Protein-Packed Potato Soup
Add shredded cooked chicken, crumbled sausage, or cooked ground turkey for a protein boost that makes the soup even heartier.

These variations allow you to customize Slow Cooker Potato Soup to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring a new twist every time you make it!

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Slow Cooker Potato Soup is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it as directed, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Potato Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. However, since it contains cream and cream cheese, the texture may slightly change upon reheating. Stir well and add a splash of broth or milk to restore its consistency.

3. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great substitutes for russet potatoes. They have a creamier texture and hold their shape well in soups.

4. How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash more of the potatoes or add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken bone broth. Add extra veggies like carrots or celery for added flavor.

6. How can I add more protein to the soup?
For a protein boost, add shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, or cooked crumbled sausage during the last hour of cooking.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened.

8. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. Use a dairy-free cheddar substitute for toppings.

9. Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the bacon, garlic, and onions in a large pot, then add the potatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer until the potatoes are tender, mash some of the potatoes, and stir in the cream cheese and cream.

10. How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture.

These FAQs provide helpful tips and answers to common questions, ensuring your Slow Cooker Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time!

Slow Cooker Potato Soup is a delicious way to warm up on a cold day or to enjoy a comforting meal with family and friends. Its creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and rich broth make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Top it with your favorite garnishes and serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Make this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of homemade comfort at its finest!

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Slow Cooker Potato Soup


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Slow Cooker Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and rich cream into a creamy, hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days or cozy evenings. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.


Ingredients

This recipe features simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful soup. You’ll need

  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped and cooked to crispy perfection.
  • 2 pounds of russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes.
  • Aromatics like minced garlic and diced yellow onion for depth of flavor.
  • 32 ounces of Zoup! Good, Really Good® Chicken Bone Broth to add richness.
  • Seasonings including salt, black pepper, and thyme to enhance the flavor.
  • Creamy additions like cream cheese and heavy cream for a luscious texture.
  • Optional toppings like shredded cheddar, chives, crisp bacon pieces, and sour cream to customize your bowl.

Instructions

Making this soup is as easy as combining ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s how to prepare it:

  1. Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until it’s crisp, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Prepare the potatoes by scrubbing, drying, and dicing them into cubes. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, garlic, onion, chicken bone broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and thyme) to your slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or LOW for 6 hours, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
  5. Mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to achieve your desired consistency while retaining some chunks for texture.
  6. Stir in the cream cheese cubes and heavy cream, then let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a creamy finish.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheddar, chives, crisp bacon pieces, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

  1. Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon pieces, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
  2. Pair It Perfectly: Serve with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a fresh side salad to complement the soup’s creamy richness.
  3. Family-Friendly Add-Ons: Offer a toppings bar with options like croutons, green onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika so everyone can customize their bowl.

Storing Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that the texture may change slightly due to the cream content, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating Tips

  1. Stovetop: Reheat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
  2. Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  3. Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to prevent the cream from separating and to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy Slow Cooker Potato Soup fresh and delicious every time, whether you’re serving it right away or enjoying leftovers!