Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food with Minimal Effort! Get ready for a flavorful, creamy, and hearty soup that will quickly become a cherished family recipe.
Embrace the Ease of Slow Cooker Meals
There’s an undeniable magic to the slow cooker, isn’t there? It’s a kitchen essential that simplifies meal preparation, transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes with very little hands-on time. Lately, my slow cooker has been working overtime, becoming the star of our daily meal routine. From wholesome lunches to savory, cheesy dinners, it’s consistently delivering delicious results. This versatile appliance isn’t just for chilly autumn and winter evenings; it’s equally invaluable during warmer months, keeping the kitchen cool by eliminating the need to turn on the oven. The convenience of “set it and forget it” cooking truly makes life easier, allowing you to focus on other tasks while a comforting meal simmers to perfection.
Given how frequently I rely on my slow cooker to whip up delectable meals, it’s surprising that this is the first slow cooker soup recipe I’m sharing on the blog! Rest assured, many more hassle-free culinary delights are on the way. But for now, let’s dive into a recipe that embodies everything we love about slow cooking: rich flavor, effortless preparation, and universal appeal. This particular soup holds a special place in our hearts, especially for my husband. Why? Because it involves bacon! The aroma of sizzling bacon never fails to draw him into the kitchen, eager to discover what delicious creation is underway. His love for bacon is infectious, and it’s a key ingredient that elevates this soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Unlocking Deep Flavor: The Secret to Our Baked Potato Soup
What makes this Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup so incredibly satisfying? It all begins with flavor. Our recipe strategically uses bacon, not just as a topping, but as the foundational element of the soup’s rich base. The process starts by cooking chopped bacon in a saucepan until it’s perfectly crisp. Once the bacon is removed, leaving behind its glorious rendered fat, that flavorful fat becomes the medium for sautéing the aromatic vegetables. This simple step ensures that every spoonful of soup carries a hint of smoky, savory goodness. A thickening mixture, created by cooking butter, garlic, and onion in the bacon fat and then whisking in flour, chicken stock, and milk, ensures a luxuriously creamy texture.
After preparing this foundational flavor base, the rest is remarkably simple. All the ingredients – the savory bacon fat mixture, hearty russet potatoes, and additional chicken stock and water – are combined in your slow cooker. Then, simply cover and let your slow cooker work its magic for 6 hours on a low setting, or 4 hours on high. This extended cooking time allows the potatoes to become incredibly tender and meld with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious and deeply comforting soup. The low and slow method ensures that the flavors fully develop, resulting in a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, even with minimal active preparation.
The Perfect Meal for Any Season
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a steaming bowl of hot, hearty soup. This Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup fits that bill perfectly, offering warmth and comfort on even the chilliest evenings. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, providing genuine satisfaction. But its appeal isn’t limited to colder weather. This soup is equally delightful year-round, especially when you crave that classic baked potato experience in a convenient, spoonable form. The generous toppings—shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions—transform it into a truly “loaded” baked potato experience, delivering a burst of flavor and texture with every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its incredible taste but also in its adaptability. It’s a dish that can be customized to suit various preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a wholesome meal, this soup delivers every time. It’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it an instant classic that you’ll want to revisit again and again. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare to enjoy a truly special dish. Enjoy, friends – you deserve this deliciousness!
Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup: The Full Recipe
Author: Anna
Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup – packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 303 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 clove garlic, pressed
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock (for roux)
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled, washed, chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock (for slow cooker)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then refrigerate until ready to serve as a garnish.
- Into the same pan with the remaining bacon grease, add butter, pressed garlic, and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir it in well. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to lightly toast and create a roux.
- Slowly drizzle the first cup of chicken stock into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is well combined and reaches a creamy consistency.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, stirring to incorporate. Remove the saucepan from heat.
- Place the chopped russet potatoes evenly into your slow cooker insert.
- Pour in the remaining 3 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of water over the potatoes.
- Add the creamy vegetable mixture from the saucepan into the slow cooker with the potatoes and liquids. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once cooked, use a potato masher or a large spoon to gently mash some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker insert to achieve your desired soup thickness.
- Serve the soup hot in bowls, generously topped with shredded cheddar cheese, the reserved crispy bacon pieces, and fresh chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 913mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 10.7mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 2mg
Tips for Making Your Best Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup
Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup is easy with a few key tips:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because their high starch content breaks down beautifully, creating a creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold for a slightly waxier texture, but russets are preferred for that classic “baked potato” feel.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat is a secret weapon for flavor. Cooking the garlic and onion in it infuses the entire soup with a rich, savory depth that you won’t get otherwise. It’s truly transformative.
- Control the Thickness: After cooking, use a potato masher right in the slow cooker to mash some of the potatoes. This is how you control the soup’s consistency. For a chunkier soup, mash less; for a creamier soup, mash more.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Different chicken stocks can vary in sodium content, so adjust as needed.
- Topping is Key: Don’t underestimate the power of toppings! Crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions are non-negotiable for a true “loaded” baked potato soup experience. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also add a delightful tang.
Customization & Variations for Every Palate
This Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon. Instead, start by sautéing the garlic and onion in olive oil or unsalted butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. For a smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by adding finely diced carrots or celery along with the onions and garlic. A handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end wilts beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the onions and garlic, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished soup.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Experiment with different cheeses! Beyond cheddar, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked Gouda for a richer flavor. Stir some cheese directly into the soup at the end for an extra creamy melt.
- Herbaceous Touch: Fresh herbs like thyme or chives (beyond just a garnish) can add another layer of flavor. Add dried herbs with the flour, or fresh herbs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Creamier Finish: For an even richer, more indulgent soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, after mashing the potatoes.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This hearty Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments to complete your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread muffins are a classic pairing with potato soup, adding a touch of rustic charm to your meal.
- Sandwich or Half-Wrap: For a more substantial lunch, serve a smaller portion of the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple turkey and avocado wrap.
Storage & Reheating Made Easy
One of the best things about slow cooker soups is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers:
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes remarkably well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to thin it out if it has thickened too much in the fridge. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
A Staple for Cozy Gatherings and Busy Weeknights
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner solution or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup is a true winner. Its minimal preparation combined with maximum flavor makes it an indispensable recipe for any home cook. The rich, creamy texture, coupled with the smoky bacon and cheesy toppings, creates a culinary experience that satisfies both body and soul. Embrace the simplicity and joy of slow cooking, and let this delicious soup become a cherished staple in your home. We’re confident that once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite.