Simple Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe for a Quick Meal

Simple Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: A Creamy, Comforting Delight!  🥔🥣😋

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this slow cooker baked potato soup recipe elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of potatoes, cheese, and bacon, all cooked to absolute perfection in your slow cooker. This easy baked potato soup is not only incredibly delicious but also unbelievably simple to make, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of dinner or lunch options. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the ultimate loaded potato soup experience, without any of the fuss!

This slow cooker baked potato soup is strategically designed for optimum convenience, gifting you a hearty, homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner venturing into the culinary world, this recipe is virtually foolproof and promises a satisfying outcome every single time. Perhaps you’d enjoy something on the side like Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites. Get ready to savor each and every spoonful of this creamy, flavorful soup, generously loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a satisfying and delicious meal on the table faster than you can say “comfort food”. This loaded potato soup will swiftly ascend to become your new go-to recipe! Enjoy it alongside something fresh like our Elegant French Beet and Avocado Salad. For a different take on appetizers, give our Buffalo Cheesy Sausage Balls a try!

2. Ingredients Needed

• 6-8 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a lighter option, try half-and-half or even milk)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping (feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby)
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for topping (turkey bacon works too!)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for topping
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Equipment Required

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Potato peeler

4. Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Commence the culinary journey by peeling and cubing the potatoes into perfectly bite-sized pieces. This seemingly small step ensures that they cook evenly and consistently in the slow cooker, guaranteeing a delightful texture in your final soup. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it achieves that irresistible crispy texture we all crave. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled to a manageable temperature, crumble the bacon into small, tantalizing pieces – resist the urge to eat them all! Reserve approximately 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the skillet; this liquid gold will add a depth of smoky flavor to your soup. Add the butter to the skillet, joining forces with the bacon grease, and melt it gently over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour with enthusiasm and cook for about 1-2 minutes, diligently stirring to create a smooth, lump-free roux. This roux will act as the thickening agent for your soup, giving it that luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Gently and lovingly place the cubed potatoes into the spacious embrace of your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes, ensuring they are adequately submerged in the flavorful liquid. Now, introduce the roux mixture from the skillet to the slow cooker, pouring it evenly over the potatoes and broth. This strategic addition will work its magic, thickening the soup as it cooks, creating that desirable creamy texture we’re aiming for. Stir the ingredients very gently to ensure the roux is evenly distributed throughout – this will prevent any unwanted lumps from forming during the cooking process. Cover the slow cooker securely with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are wonderfully tender and easily pierced with a fork. This patient, slow cooking process enables the flavors to meld together harmoniously, resulting in a rich and deeply satisfying creamy potato soup. Consider trying another dish like Bibim Guksu Spicy Korean Cold Noodles!

Step 3: Thicken and Add Creaminess

Once the potatoes have reached that coveted tender state, it’s time to work some magic and transform the soup into a creamy masterpiece. Carefully use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a smooth and velvety texture while still preserving some delightful chunks of potato for a comforting, hearty mouthfeel. If you don’t happen to have an immersion blender in your kitchen arsenal, don’t fret! You can carefully transfer approximately 2 cups of the soup to a regular blender, blend until completely smooth, and then lovingly return it to the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate it seamlessly. This step is essential for achieving the perfect balance of creaminess and heartiness. Now, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing them to melt and meld into the soup, creating a rich and decadent flavor profile. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup transforms into a smooth and utterly creamy delight. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your personal preferences to ensure the loaded potato soup is absolutely perfect and tailored to your palate. You can find plenty of sides to pair with this soup when browsing the homepage.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

With the soup now boasting its signature creamy texture and irresistible aroma, it’s time for the grand finale: serving. Carefully ladle the luscious slow cooker baked potato soup into individual bowls, filling them to the brim with comforting goodness. Crowning each serving with a generous sprinkle of crumbled bacon, a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, and a scattering of freshly chopped green onions. These toppings not only contribute bursts of flavor but also add delightful pops of contrasting texture, elevating the entire loaded potato soup experience to new heights. Serve the soup immediately while it’s still wonderfully hot, allowing everyone to savor its warmth and comforting flavors. This easy baked potato soup is an ideal choice for a cozy night spent indoors, a casual gathering with cherished friends and family, or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal.

6. Tips and Variations

• For a spicier soup with a kick, introduce a pinch of fiery cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• To create a healthier rendition of this classic, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and substitute Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream for a lighter, tangier twist.
• Enhance the soup’s complexity and nutritional value by adding other flavorful vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or onions.
• Infuse a captivating smoky flavor into the soup by incorporating smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
• If you’re short on bacon or seeking a different flavor profile, don’t hesitate to substitute it with diced ham or crumbled sausage.

7. Serving Suggestions

Elevate this easy baked potato soup into a complete and satisfying meal by serving it alongside a comforting side of crusty bread for dipping or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for dunking. It also shines as an elegant starter course for a more elaborate dinner affair. Consider serving it in tandem with a crisp and refreshing salad to counterbalance the soup’s inherent richness. This remarkably versatile creamy potato soup is a crowd-pleaser, perfectly suited for any occasion, ranging from laid-back family dinners to lively potlucks and festive parties. Check out this similar recipe on Easy Family Recipes. You might also enjoy Golden Cheesy Butternut Squash Fritters!

8. Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g

9. Conclusion

This slow cooker baked potato soup recipe is a true game-changer for those seeking a hassle-free, comforting meal that delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. With its minimal prep time requirements and reliance on readily available, simple ingredients, you can effortlessly whip up a steaming bowl of loaded potato soup that rivals the offerings of your favorite restaurants. The sheer convenience of the slow cooker makes this recipe an invaluable asset for busy weeknights when time is of the essence, and the soup’s undeniably rich, creamy flavor is guaranteed to elicit enthusiastic requests for seconds from everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients with anticipation, set your slow cooker to work its magic, and prepare to immerse yourself in the unparalleled deliciousness of this delightfully easy baked potato soup! If you are looking for another comfort food you can also check Dad’s Famous Fish Stew or maybe some Crispy Chicken with Fresh Mozzarella. If you feel like sushi instead, try our Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon Avocado!

Print