This creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar, slow-cooked in your crock-pot, is the epitome of comfort food. It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe emphasizes simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying soup that's sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients for the Best Crock-Pot Potato Soup
- 1 lb bacon, diced (the smoky flavor is key!)
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Golds work well too!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this adds richness and texture)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheddar!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: More cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, sour cream
Step-by-Step Crock-Pot Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
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Sauté the Bacon (Optional, but Recommended): Before adding everything to the crock-pot, you can choose to cook the bacon separately in a skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan. This step adds a deeper layer of flavor to your soup. If skipping this step, proceed directly to step 2.
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Layer the Ingredients: Add the potatoes, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth. If you sautéed the bacon, add the bacon fat to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender.
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Blend for Creaminess: Carefully remove about 1/3 of the soup and blend it using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender). This creates a luxuriously creamy texture without making the entire soup too thick. Return the blended portion to the slow cooker.
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Stir in the Remaining Ingredients: Add the milk, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crock-pot. Stir well to combine and allow the cheese to melt completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, or a dollop of sour cream.
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Tips for the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds offer a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Bacon Choice: Thick-cut bacon adds a richer flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day!
Enjoy your delicious and easy crock-pot creamy potato soup with bacon and cheddar!
