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Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty soup simmering away in a slow cooker, filling your home with the rich aromas of bacon, potatoes, and creamy goodness. This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup offers a perfect blend of rustic flavors with a modern touch, making it an ideal dish for both cozy weeknights and casual get-togethers.
With minimal effort, you’ll create a soup that’s irresistibly rich, with crispy bacon adding just the right amount of savory crunch. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Let the slow cooker do the hard work, freeing up your time for other things.
- Rich & Creamy: A velvety base of tender potatoes with a hint of creaminess that melts in your mouth.
- Bacon Bliss: The smoky, salty bacon perfectly complements the creamy texture of the soup.
- Rustic-Modern Balance: A nostalgic dish with a modern twist, thanks to a few simple but bold ingredients.
Tips for the Best Potato Bacon Soup
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which helps thicken the soup naturally. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option if you want a creamier texture.
- Blend to Your Liking: For a smoother soup, blend the entire batch. If you prefer a chunkier, rustic texture, blend just half or less.
- Add a Smoky Depth: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth to the flavor. For an extra smoky kick, use smoked bacon.
- Thickening the Soup: If you like a super thick soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before blending, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water at the end of cooking.
- Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to maintain a savory depth.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the potatoes and onion, and cook the bacon until crispy. Set the bacon aside and crumble it once cooled.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, cooked bacon (except the reserved portion), thyme, and paprika into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives or green onions. Enjoy the rustic-modern balance of textures and flavors.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well and offer a slightly different texture. Yukon Golds are creamier, while red potatoes will hold their shape better.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze potato bacon soup, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after thawing. Potatoes tend to become grainy when frozen. If you plan on freezing it, wait to add the cream until after reheating.
Q: How can I make this soup healthier?
A: To lighten the soup, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can make the soup dairy-free by using coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Just be mindful that this will alter the flavor slightly. Opt for a vegan cheese or skip it altogether.
Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Simply follow the same steps using a large pot. Cook on medium heat until the potatoes are tender, then proceed to blend and add the cream and cheese.
Printable Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 5 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the potatoes and onion, and cook the bacon until crispy. Set the bacon aside and crumble it once cooled.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, cooked bacon (except the reserved portion), thyme, and paprika into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are covered.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for a rustic feel.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh chives or green onions. Enjoy the rustic-modern balance of textures and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is an ideal blend of comfort and modern flavors that suits every palate. Whether you’re looking to whip up a casual meal or need something warm and hearty for a family dinner, this soup delivers on flavor, simplicity, and warmth. With a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a satisfying dish that’s both rustic and refined, perfect for cold days or as a year-round favorite!
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