As the days grow shorter and the nights turn chilly, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup. The first time I experimented with a slow cooker loaded potato soup, it completely transformed my winter evenings. Imagine the tantalizing scent of butter and garlic melding with creamy potatoes and crispy bacon wafting through the house, coaxing family members to gather in the kitchen it’s pure magic!
What I love most about this recipe is its effortless versatility. Tossing simple ingredients into a slow cooker means you can spend your day unwinding while this hearty feast bubbles away, ready to greet you at dinnertime. Each spoonful is like a cozy hug, with layers of flavor that dance between indulgence and comfort. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply need a satisfying meal after a long day, this loaded potato soup fits the bill beautifully. Get ready to embrace the warmth of home-cooked goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup special?
Comforting warmth: Each bowl envelops you in soothing layers, perfect for chilly evenings.
Effortless cooking: Just toss in ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
Flavor explosion: The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this soup will win over everyone’s hearts.
Versatile base: Customize with your favorite toppings like cheese, chives, or sour cream for a personal touch.
Embrace the joy of home-cooked meals that breathe life into any winter evening!
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Ingredients
For the Soup
• Russet potatoes – These starchy beauties create the perfect creamy base for your loaded potato soup.
• Onion – Adds a depth of flavor; consider using yellow or sweet onions for a milder taste.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic will infuse the soup with aromatic goodness; roasted garlic can enhance the sweetness.
• Chicken or vegetable broth – A quality broth enhances the soup’s flavor feel free to use homemade for the ultimate taste!
• Heavy cream – This ingredient makes your soup incredibly rich and luscious; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Bacon – Crispy bacon brings a savory crunch that complements the creamy potatoes; turkey bacon is a great alternative for a healthier twist.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors; adjust these seasonings to your taste.
For the Toppings
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture on top of the soup.
• Green onions – Sliced green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Sour cream – A dollop offers a creamy tang that brightens the dish; Greek yogurt is a handy substitute.
• Chives – Finely chopped chives bring a subtle onion flavor and enhance presentation.
With these ingredients, you’re just a slow cooker away from creating a heartwarming Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup that will warm your home and heart!
How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into evenly-sized cubes, about 1-inch thick, to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions in a bit of butter until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with the sautéed onions and garlic, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it simmer for 6-7 hours until the potatoes are tender and easily mashable, or cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to gently mash the potatoes to your desired creaminess—leave some chunks for texture if you prefer!
- Stir in the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and add the crispy bacon bits. Stir well and heat for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to meld the flavors beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives for that extra flourish.
Optional: Drizzle with olive oil for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Freezer: This cozy soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan on the stove. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, do so gradually on low heat to prevent curdling of the cream, ensuring your loaded potato soup remains creamy and delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can peel and cube the russet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them submerged in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Additionally, you can sauté the onions and garlic ahead of time, refrigerating them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just combine all the prepped ingredients in the slow cooker, add the broth, and let it cook as directed. Finish by stirring in the heavy cream and crispy bacon bits, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy hearty soup without the last-minute rush!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup?
Make your cozy evenings even more delightful with the perfect pairings that elevate this comfort food classic.
- Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunch and warmth of garlic bread offer a delightful contrast, making each bite of soup more satisfying.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with fresh greens adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the creamy soup while bringing in vibrant colors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts add sweetness and depth, harmonizing beautifully with the savory flavors of the loaded potato soup.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: These cheesy delights can be dipped into the soup, offering a fun, melty experience that turns every bite into a cheesy adventure!
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruits refreshes the palate and provides a sweet ending that keeps the meal light and enjoyable.
- Apple Pie: Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides that ultimate sweet-to-savory balance—perfect for a comforting finish after a hearty meal!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
- Evenly Cut Potatoes: Ensure your potato cubes are uniform in size to guarantee they cook evenly and achieve the perfect creaminess in your loaded potato soup.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step for the onions and garlic. This enhances their flavors, giving your soup a deep, rich taste that can’t be matched.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually. Start with salt and pepper, but remember to taste your soup before serving—this can prevent common mistakes and boost overall flavor!
- Texture Choice: Mash the potatoes to your desired level of creaminess. Leaving some chunks adds texture, which can elevate the heartiness of your loaded potato soup.
- Top with Freshness: Add fresh toppings right before serving to maintain their vibrant colors and flavors. This step not only enhances taste but also makes your soup visually appealing!
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this recipe to your liking—these variations add delightful twists that put a personal spin on your soup!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk to create a lighter, non-dairy version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Veggie Boost: Add in chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the vegetable content.
- Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary just before serving for an aromatic flair that brightens the rich flavors of the soup.
- Spicy Kick: For a heat lover’s touch, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to elevate the soup’s spice level, creating a comforting warmth with each bite.
- Loaded Up: Top your soup with your favorite loaded ingredients like pulled pork or spicy sausage for a heartier meal that feels like a feast.
- Baked Potato Style: Serve the soup with baked potato toppings such as broccoli or extra cheese, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with their preferred toppings.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked bacon or add a touch of smoked paprika to give your soup a deliciously smoky undertone that enhances the overall profile.
- Creamy Dream: Blend in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end for an ultra-rich and indulgent texture that your taste buds will thank you for.
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for slow cooker potato soup?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes are the best choice because their high starch content creates that lovely creamy texture we crave. Look for firm potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. The fresher, the better!
How should I store leftover slow cooker loaded potato soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it to avoid condensation. When it’s time to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring regularly until warmed through.
Can I freeze slow cooker loaded potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze this delightful soup! Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Be sure to label the containers with the date and consume it within 2 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
Very! If your soup turns out too thick, don’t fret! Simply add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth or a bit more cream while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and heat gradually to meld the flavors without compromising the creaminess.
Can I make slow cooker loaded potato soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. You can replace the savory flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika, which will give it that desired depth and aliveness.
Is this soup suitable for my pet?
While potatoes are generally safe for dogs in moderation, avoid using added ingredients like onions or garlic, which can be harmful to pets. It’s best to prepare a plain potato for your furry friend without any seasonings or cream. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods!
Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Your New Cozy Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and peel russet potatoes, then cut them into evenly-sized 1-inch cubes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions in a bit of butter until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the slow cooker along with the sautéed onions, garlic, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 6-7 hours until the potatoes are tender or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, mash the potatoes to your desired creaminess, leaving some chunks for texture if preferred.
- Stir in heavy cream and crispy bacon. Heat on low for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Serve the soup in bowls topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives.