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Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe with Crispy Bacon

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A comforting and creamy slow cooker baked potato soup loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender potatoes. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6–8 slices crispy bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (2% works too)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 stalks green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: extra shredded cheddar, diced tomatoes, chives, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Add chopped onion to the reserved bacon fat and sauté over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  3. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add diced potatoes and pour in chicken broth. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Stir the roux and sour cream into the slow cooker. Using an immersion blender, blend about half the soup until smooth, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let soup cook on low for another 10-15 minutes to melt the cheese fully.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon, chopped green onions, and any other desired toppings like extra cheddar or smoked paprika.

Notes

If soup gets too thick, thin with extra chicken broth or milk before serving. Stir gently after adding cheese to prevent clumping. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. Bacon should be cooked separately and added at the end to keep it crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, baked potato soup, creamy soup, loaded potato soup, crispy bacon, comfort food, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-slow-cooker-loaded-baked-potato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-delicious/