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Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup Easy Slow Cooker Recipe for Cozy Nights

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A comforting and creamy loaded baked potato soup made in a slow cooker with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a touch of sour cream. Perfect for cozy chilly nights and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (can reduce or substitute with sour cream)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons green onions or chives, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the russet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Finely chop the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  2. In a small pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, chicken broth, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Alternatively, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, watching closely to avoid overcooking.
  5. Partially mash about half the potatoes in the slow cooker using a potato masher or immersion blender, leaving some chunks for texture.
  6. Stir in the whole milk, heavy cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix gently until the cheese melts completely. Add more milk or broth if the soup is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the sour cream for tang and creaminess.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions or chives.

Notes

Sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker enhances flavor. Partially mashing the potatoes thickens the soup while keeping texture. Cook bacon separately for crispy topping. Adjust thickness with milk or broth as needed. Soup thickens after refrigeration; stir in milk when reheating. Use gluten-free broth for gluten-free version. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato soup, creamy potato soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-loaded-baked-potato-soup-easy-slow-cooker-recipe-for-cozy-nights/