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:
- Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until it’s crisp, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the potatoes by scrubbing, drying, and dicing them into cubes. Peel them if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Add the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, garlic, onion, chicken bone broth, and seasonings (salt, pepper, and thyme) to your slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 hours or LOW for 6 hours, allowing the potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to achieve your desired consistency while retaining some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the cream cheese cubes and heavy cream, then let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes to achieve a creamy finish.
- 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
- Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon pieces, fresh chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
- Pair It Perfectly: Serve with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a fresh side salad to complement the soup’s creamy richness.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- 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!