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Easy Loaded Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon – Best Cozy Recipe

loaded crockpot potato soup with bacon - featured image

This Easy Loaded Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, loaded with tender potatoes and crispy bacon, and made with minimal effort in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 4 cups (32 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sour cream, chopped chives, extra bacon bits, shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape the mixture into the slow cooker.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Place the diced potatoes in the slow cooker on top of the onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine. Do not add cream or cheese yet.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Add the cream and cream cheese: In a small bowl, microwave the cream cheese for 15-20 seconds to soften. Stir it into the hot soup along with the heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Add the cheddar and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon. Reserve the rest for garnish. Stir until cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Adjust the texture: If desired, use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes for a thicker soup. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender for a few seconds.
  8. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with reserved bacon, extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped chives. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the bacon first—it adds smoky depth. Cut potatoes evenly (½-inch cubes) for consistent texture. Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent curdling. For a thicker soup, mash some potatoes. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot potato soup, loaded potato soup, bacon potato soup, slow cooker soup, easy potato soup, comfort food, creamy potato soup