Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, creamy, and indulgent bowl of slow cooker loaded baked potato soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to your soul, especially on cold nights. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and topped with a dollop of sour cream, this soup is irresistible. Best of all, using a slow cooker makes this recipe super easy — you can set it in the morning and have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime. Read on to discover everything you need to know to make the perfect slow cooker loaded baked potato soup, including ingredients, variations, and expert tips for serving!

What Is Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is a creamy, rich soup that mimics the flavors of a fully-loaded baked potato. It’s packed with diced potatoes, flavorful broth, and a velvety cream base. The “loaded” aspect comes from the addition of classic baked potato toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, and sour cream. Cooking it in a slow cooker ensures that the flavors meld together over time, resulting in a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To make the ultimate slow cooker loaded baked potato soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients List for Serving and Toppings:

To truly elevate your soup and make it the best version possible, consider the following toppings:

• Extra crispy bacon bits for garnish
• More shredded cheddar cheese
• Extra sour cream for dolloping on top
• Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add crispy fried onions or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Lighter Version: For a healthier version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. You can also use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely.
• Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also top the soup with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
• Loaded Cauliflower Soup: If you’re avoiding potatoes, try using cauliflower instead! Follow the same instructions, but substitute the potatoes with cauliflower florets.
• Cheesy Broccoli Version: Add some finely chopped broccoli florets to the soup for a cheesy broccoli potato soup that’s even more wholesome.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for the perfect slow cooker loaded baked potato soup.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and garlic. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into pieces. Set aside the bacon for later.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and thyme into the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine and make sure the potatoes are evenly spread.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Set the slow cooker to “Low” and cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can set it on “High” and cook for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easy to mash with a fork.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes right in the slow cooker. This will give the soup a creamy texture while still leaving some chunks for added heartiness.

Step 5: Add Cream, Cheese, and Sour Cream

Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous amount of crumbled bacon, the remaining shredded cheese, green onions, and fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Cook Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

To sum it up, here’s a quick guide to making this recipe:

1. Prepare your ingredients (dice potatoes, cook bacon, chop onions).
2. Load the slow cooker with potatoes, onions, garlic, broth, and seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
5. Stir in cream, cheese, and sour cream.
6. Garnish with bacon, cheese, and green onions, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is easy, there are a few common mistakes that can trip you up. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the Potatoes: Be sure to keep an eye on the cooking time, especially if you’re using the “High” setting. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and lose their texture.
• Not Mashing the Potatoes: If you don’t mash some of the potatoes, your soup may not be as creamy as desired. Make sure to mash about half of the potatoes to achieve the right consistency.
• Adding Dairy Too Early: Don’t add the heavy cream, sour cream, or cheese too early in the cooking process. These ingredients should be stirred in after the potatoes are fully cooked to avoid curdling.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Taste as you go! Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so you may need to adjust the seasoning before serving to make sure the flavors are balanced.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The beauty of this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is that it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Here are some serving and presentation tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Use Rustic Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls for a homey, comforting feel.
• Layer the Toppings: When garnishing, layer on the toppings, starting with cheese, then bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream right in the center for an eye-catching presentation.
• Add a Bread Bowl: For an extra-special touch, serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with:

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: If you want a little more indulgence, serve with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To make your soup even more visually appealing, try these presentation ideas:

• Garnish with Chopped Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a vibrant green touch.
• Add a Swirl of Cream: Drizzle a swirl of sour cream or heavy cream on the surface of the soup for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Serve with Bacon Crumble: Keep extra crispy bacon crumbles on the side so guests can add more to their liking.

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

For the best results, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup.
• Prep the Night Before: If you’re short on time in the morning, you can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dump everything into the slow cooker.
• Double the Batch: This soup freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and freeze the leftovers for another day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
A: Yes! You can cook it on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients in a large pot over medium heat until the potatoes are tender, then follow the same steps for mashing and adding dairy.

Q: How long will this soup last in the fridge?
A: This soup will last for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze slow cooker loaded baked potato soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the soup cool completely before freezing, and reheat it gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the dairy.

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: While russet potatoes work best, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, these varieties might not give the same creamy texture as russets.

Conclusion

Slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of a loaded baked potato with the creamy consistency of a rich soup. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you're serving it to family or guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today, and enjoy a warm, delicious meal straight from your slow cooker!

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