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Loaded Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon: Easy Party Favorite

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This loaded crockpot potato soup with bacon is a rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort food that practically makes itself. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it features tender Yukon Gold potatoes, smoky bacon, and a velvety broth made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh chives or green onions, extra shredded cheddar, sour cream, more crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place bacon slices in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into small pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons for garnish.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings from the skillet. Add diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
  3. Layer the slow cooker: Place diced potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with sautéed onion and garlic. Sprinkle smoked paprika and black pepper over everything.
  4. Add the liquids: Pour chicken broth over the potatoes and aromatics. Do not stir yet.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Add the cream cheese: Once potatoes are tender, add softened cream cheese cubes. Stir gently until completely melted and incorporated.
  7. Mash some potatoes: Using a potato masher, gently mash about half of the potatoes right in the slow cooker to thicken the soup.
  8. Add the cream and cheese: Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
  9. Season and finish: Taste and add salt if needed. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for garnish.
  10. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and top with reserved bacon, extra cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes. Shred cheddar from a block for smoother melting. Let soup cool slightly before adding dairy to prevent curdling. Soup thickens as it sits; add extra broth or milk when reheating.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/loaded-crockpot-potato-soup-with-bacon-easy-party-favorite/