This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender potatoes, rich cream, and smoky bacon into a velvety, soul-warming dish. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers robust flavors with minimal effort, making it a family favorite for cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a crowd-pleaser for its rich, comforting flavors and effortless preparation. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, savory masterpiece. The smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch and depth, while the potatoes create a hearty base that’s satisfying without being heavy. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy night in, this soup is versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that warms the heart and soul.
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon
Creamy potato soup with smoky bacon, made effortlessly in a slow cooker for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2.5 lbs)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease for extra flavor (optional).
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a touch of bacon grease for added depth.
- Add Vegetables: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in Broth: Add the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are just covered. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with 1/4 cup of milk until smooth. Stir into the soup along with the remaining milk and heavy cream.
- Blend for Creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency—fully smooth or slightly chunky for texture.
- Add Bacon and Cheese: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar (if using). Reserve some bacon for garnish.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream for extra richness and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with reserved bacon, green onions, and parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping!
Notes
- For a smoother soup, blend completely; for a heartier texture, blend only half.
- Use a potato masher instead of a blender for a rustic feel.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to adjust consistency.
- Always cook bacon separately to avoid greasy soup.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per ServingCalories 649Total Fat 29gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 85mgSodium 801mgCarbohydrates 75gFiber 7gSugar 8gProtein 23g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Save Time: Prep the potatoes and onion the night before and store in water to prevent browning.
- Enhance Flavor: Sauté the onion and garlic in bacon grease before adding to the slow cooker for deeper flavor.
- Control Thickness: Adjust the flour or blend less for a thinner soup, or add more cream for extra richness.
- Make It Quick: Use pre-cooked bacon to cut down on prep time, but crisp it up for best results.
Ingredients Notes
Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup naturally. Choose thick-cut bacon for a robust, smoky flavor that elevates the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth allows better control over seasoning, while heavy cream and whole milk create a luxurious, velvety consistency. Shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds a delightful tang, and sour cream enhances the creaminess with a slight tang. Fresh garlic and thyme infuse the soup with aromatic depth, while green onions and parsley provide a fresh, colorful finish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or skip it.
- Different Potatoes: Try Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor or red potatoes for a waxy texture.
- Add Veggies: Stir in carrots, celery, or leeks for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cheese Swap: Use gouda or pepper jack for a different cheesy profile.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or dill for a fresh twist.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding milk if needed.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: Warm slowly to prevent curdling, stirring in extra broth or cream for smoothness.
Recipe Gallery
Please share these Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Recipe Kit vs Traditional Recipe Plugins: Which is Better