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Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
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Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a warm, creamy, and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato—melted sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh chives—into a rich, velvety soup that practically cooks itself. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prepping, or casual dinners, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers indulgent taste with minimal effort, customizable to suit dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–5 large Russet potatoes, washed, peeled, and diced into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6–8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream (adjust for desired thickness)

Optional Variations

  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and smoked paprika, omit bacon
  • Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream and dairy-free cheese
  • Extra veggies: Add corn kernels or diced carrots
  • Extra protein: Include cooked chicken or turkey sausage

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash, peel, and dice russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and natural thickening of the soup.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place diced potatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and butter into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and cover.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender and easily mashable.
  4. Mash and Add Dairy: Using a potato masher or immersion blender, slightly mash potatoes to create a creamy texture with some chunks remaining. Stir in sour cream, milk or heavy cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add Bacon and Chives: Mix in most of the crispy bacon and chopped chives, reserving some for garnish when serving.

Notes

  • Choose Russet potatoes for ideal starch content to thicken soup without gumminess.
  • Do not overblend; leave some potato chunks for texture mimicking a real loaded baked potato.
  • Pre-cook bacon until crispy to avoid sogginess and enhance flavor.
  • Adjust thickness by adding more broth if too thick or extra cream for richness.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a smooth melt and bold flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/slow-cooker-loaded-baked-potato-soup/