Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions simmered slowly in a savory chicken broth. Perfect for chilly nights and easy meal prep, this hearty soup combines rich flavors and a luscious texture that will warm your soul.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Optional Variations
- Smoked paprika or liquid smoke (to replace bacon for vegetarian version)
- Diced carrots, celery, or corn (for extra veggies)
- Monterey Jack or Gouda cheese (for cheese mix variation)
- Coconut milk or cashew cream (for dairy-free swap)
- Cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños (to add spice)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and maintain the perfect texture throughout the soup.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, and crumble once cool to add a crunchy texture to the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the base flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy. Add sour cream for a tangy richness if desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the soup with fresh green onions, additional bacon bits, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese before serving. Enjoy your warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for their starchy texture which helps thicken the soup while keeping chunks intact.
- Don’t over-stir during cooking to preserve potato chunks.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Adjust creaminess by starting with less cream and adding more after cooking to suit your preference.
- Season gradually and taste before serving to perfectly balance salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker, baked potato soup, loaded potato soup, comfort food, creamy potato soup, bacon soup, easy dinner, crockpot soup