Introduction
There is something truly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a cool day. When the weather turns chilly, you want a meal that feels cozy, filling, and satisfying. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is exactly that kind of dish. It is rich, creamy, and packed with all the classic flavors you expect from a loaded baked potato but transformed into a delicious soup.
The best part is that it is incredibly easy to make because everything cooks slowly in the crockpot, meaning you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a wonderful, ready-to-eat meal. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a simple but hearty dinner with minimal effort.
With tender potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, every bite is a comforting reminder of why this soup is such a popular favorite. Whether you are cooking for your family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this slow cooker soup is a must-try recipe that delivers both flavor and ease.
Ingredients Needed
To make this delicious slow cooker loaded baked potato soup, you will need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Russet potatoes are the star of the dish because their starchy texture makes the soup nice and creamy once cooked.
Bacon adds a smoky crunch that brings the flavors to life, while onions and garlic provide a savory base. Chicken broth is used to cook the potatoes and create a flavorful liquid foundation, but you can swap it out for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option.
Heavy cream and sour cream give the soup its creamy richness, and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese melts into the soup to create that classic cheesy baked potato taste. Finally, fresh green onions are sprinkled on top to add a bit of brightness and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper round out the seasoning and bring everything together perfectly.
Here is a quick ingredients table to keep you organized:
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 4 large (about 2 pounds) | 680 |
| Bacon | 6 slices | 270 |
| Onion | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | 8 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 820 |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 1 and a half cups | 600 |
| Sour cream | Half cup | 120 |
| Green onions (chopped) | Quarter cup | 10 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | Half teaspoon | 3 |
This recipe makes about six servings, and each serving is roughly four hundred and thirty-five calories, which makes it a hearty and filling meal.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is straightforward and does not require a lot of hands-on time. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe ideal for busy days or when you want to relax while dinner cooks.
First, start by washing and peeling your russet potatoes. Cut them into bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly and quickly. Next, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it is nice and crispy.
Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain the excess grease. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces to use as a topping later.
Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the bacon drippings. This step adds extra flavor to your soup by infusing the onions and garlic with a smoky bacon taste. Cook the onion and garlic for about three to four minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and fragrant.
After that, transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker along with the cubed potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for six to seven hours or on high for three to four hours. You want the potatoes to become very tender and easy to mash.
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or a fork to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Mashing part of the potatoes will thicken the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
Then, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix everything well until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. The green onions add freshness and a mild bite that balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this slow cooker baked potato soup is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add smoked paprika or a little liquid smoke to give the soup a smoky flavor without the meat.
For extra vegetables, consider adding diced carrots or celery along with the potatoes to increase the nutrition and add some crunch.
If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce when you add the cream and cheese. This will give the soup a nice spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.
For those who want a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Use dairy-free cheese to keep the soup creamy and cheesy without any animal products.
Finally, the texture of the soup can be changed to your liking. If you enjoy a chunkier soup, mash fewer potatoes. If you want it very creamy, mash more potatoes or even blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect version for your palate.
Nutritional Information
This slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is rich and hearty. Each serving provides a balanced amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep you full and satisfied.
A single serving contains about four hundred and thirty-five calories, which makes it a perfect option for a main meal. The protein mainly comes from the bacon and cheddar cheese, while the heavy cream and sour cream contribute most of the fat content.
Potatoes supply complex carbohydrates and some fiber. Sodium can be a bit high depending on the broth and bacon brands used, so if you are watching your salt intake, consider using low sodium broth and reducing added salt.
Here is a quick breakdown per serving:
Calories four hundred and thirty-five
Protein eighteen grams
Fat thirty grams
Carbohydrates twenty-one grams
Fiber three grams
Sugar three grams
Sodium six hundred and eighty milligrams
Because the soup is so filling, it pairs well with light sides if you want a balanced meal or can be enjoyed on its own for a satisfying dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is wonderful served with simple, complementary sides. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread makes a perfect pairing for dipping into the creamy soup.
For a fresh contrast, serve a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette alongside. You can also add extra toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, additional crispy bacon, or freshly chopped chives to personalize each bowl.
If you want to elevate your meal further, pair the soup with a cold glass of white wine or a hearty beer. These drinks balance the richness of the soup and make your meal feel special.
This soup is a fantastic choice for a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a weekend gathering because it can feed a crowd with minimal effort.
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Conclusion
Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a true comfort food classic that is easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors make it a favorite for cold weather meals.
The best part is the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a warm and satisfying dish without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and plenty of room to customize, this soup is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who loves a good baked potato.
Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with new additions, you will find that this slow cooker soup is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a comforting meal anytime.