Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

When comfort meets convenience, this hearty slow cooker loaded baked potato soup delivers pure culinary magic.

Cold winter nights call for warm, creamy bowls of deliciousness.

Potatoes become velvety smooth when simmered low and slow with rich cream and savory seasonings.

Crispy bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese crown this soul-warming dish with irresistible flavor.

Every spoonful promises a delightful blend of textures and comforting warmth.

Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make this recipe a weeknight dinner hero.

Grab a ladle and savor each decadent bite of this ultimate comfort food.

Baked Potato Soup from Your Slow Cooker

  • Simplify Comfort Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, making this soup a stress-free meal for busy home cooks.
  • Customize with Toppings: Personalize each bowl with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or fresh green onions, allowing everyone to create their perfect soup experience.
  • Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Transforms basic pantry ingredients like potatoes, broth, and cheese into a hearty, filling meal that satisfies hungry appetites without breaking the bank.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires minimal chopping and cooking skills, making it perfect for novice cooks or anyone wanting a delicious meal with little effort.

Everything for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty foundation of the soup.
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetables that add depth of flavor to the soup base.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Broth: Liquid base that provides moisture and initial flavor to the soup.
Thickening Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich dairy product used to create a smooth roux.
  • Flour: Binding agent that helps thicken the soup's consistency.
Finishing and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cheese, Sour Cream, Bacon: Classic loaded baked potato toppings that add richness and savory flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a light, crisp finish to the soup.

Making Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prep Potato Medley

Toss diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and broth into your slow cooker.

Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Slow Cook Magic

Let the slow cooker work its wonder by simmering on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

The goal is achieving fork-tender potatoes that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Use a potato masher to gently crush some potatoes, which will naturally thicken the soup and create a luxurious, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Craft Silky Roux

In a separate skillet, whip up a classic roux by:
  • Melting butter
  • Whisking in flour
  • Stirring until golden and smooth

Carefully blend the roux into the slow cooker soup, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 5: Enhance With Decadent Toppings

Introduce rich flavor boosters directly into the soup:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Crispy bacon bits

Stir until all ingredients are beautifully combined and melted.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Crown your soup with extra:
  • Cheese
  • Bacon
  • Chopped green onions

Serve piping hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Creamy Potato Soup

  • Mash some potatoes against the side of the slow cooker for a creamy, thick consistency without losing all the chunky potato pieces.
  • Adjust soup density by adding extra broth or letting the roux simmer longer to reach your preferred thickness.
  • Swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and Greek yogurt for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
  • Add dairy ingredients like cheese and sour cream at the very end of cooking and stir gently to maintain smooth texture.
  • Sauté onions and garlic in butter before adding to the slow cooker to develop a richer, more complex taste profile.

Twists on the Classic Baked Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Cauliflower Swap: Substitute half the potatoes with cauliflower for a lower-carb version, maintaining creamy texture and rich taste.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut milk instead of cream, swap cheese with nutritional yeast, and top with dairy-free bacon bits or crispy mushrooms.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for the roux, ensuring the same thickness and smoothness.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Potato Soup

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty soup in large, deep bowls that showcase its rich, creamy texture and delicious toppings.
  • Soup and Sandwich Duo: Pair with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich or toasted crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal that fills you up.
  • Game Day Gathering: Transform this soup into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by serving in small mugs or shot glasses at parties, topped with mini bacon bits and chives.
  • Wellness Bowl Upgrade: Add a side of fresh green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and create a nutritionally balanced dinner option.

How to Store Loaded Potato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months without adding toppings.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick, then top with fresh bacon and cheese before serving.

FAQs

  • What if my potatoes are not tender after cooking?

Add an extra 30-60 minutes of cooking time and check periodically. If needed, cut potatoes into smaller pieces to help them cook faster.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the bacon topping.

  • How do I prevent the soup from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the roux carefully when adding to the soup. Stir consistently and gradually incorporate the flour mixture to maintain a smooth texture.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the toppings. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally.

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Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy slow cooker loaded baked potato soup delivers comfort in a bowl, packed with hearty potato goodness. Rich flavors and classic toppings make you crave spoonfuls of pure warmth on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 slices bacon

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup green onions
  • ¼ cup fresh chives

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker base by combining diced potatoes, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and savory broth, creating a hearty foundation for the soup.
  2. Allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, ensuring potatoes become fork-tender and flavors meld completely.
  3. Gently crush a portion of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker, releasing their natural starches to naturally thicken the soup’s consistency.
  4. Create a smooth roux in a separate skillet by whisking melted butter with flour until golden and fragrant, then gradually incorporate into the soup to enhance richness.
  5. Stir in shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, and crispy crumbled bacon, blending thoroughly to develop a creamy, indulgent texture.
  6. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling additional cheese, crisp bacon bits, and freshly chopped green onions across the surface just before serving.

Notes

  • Customize potato texture by partially mashing or fully blending for a smoother or chunkier soup consistency.
  • Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or crispy vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences.
  • Keep soup creamy by using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
  • Prepare extra bacon and toppings separately so guests can customize their soup serving according to their taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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