Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup with Bacon and Chives 🥔🧀🥓
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish, this slow cooker potato soup is perfect for you. Rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this crock pot potato soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh chives, and gooey cheese to create a delightful bowl that will keep you warm on chilly days. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this cheesy potato soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream or additional cheese for topping
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crock Pot Potato Soup
Prep the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set aside. This step adds a smoky crunch to your cheesy potato soup.
Combine in the Slow Cooker
Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, and butter into your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
Mash and Stir
Once cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes directly in the crock pot, creating a creamy texture while leaving some chunks for texture.
Add the Dairy and Cheese
Stir in the milk or heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finish with Bacon and Chives
Top the cheesy potato soup with crispy bacon and chopped chives for a burst of flavor and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite bread or crackers.
4. Tips for Storage and Reheating
This creamy potato soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens. For longer storage, you can also freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months.
5. Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup
Serve this cheesy potato soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or a handful of extra bacon bits. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. You can also garnish with more chives, sour cream, or additional shredded cheese for extra indulgence.
6. Variations and Substitutions
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or substitute with sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor.
- Use plant-based cheese and milk to make this creamy potato soup vegan-friendly.
- Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrition and color.
7. Health Tips and Dietary Adjustments
For a lighter version, reduce the cheese or opt for low-fat dairy products. To increase fiber, include some roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Always watch sodium levels by controlling added salt and using low-sodium broth if needed.
8. FAQs about Crock Pot Potato Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just dump everything into the slow cooker and cook as directed.
What are good substitutions for cheese?
Vegan cheese or nutritional yeast can be used as dairy-free alternatives that still provide a cheesy flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this crock pot potato soup?
The total prep time is about 15-20 minutes, with a slow cooker cook time of 6-8 hours. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hot, comforting meal with minimal effort.
9. Conclusion
This slow cooker potato soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with crispy bacon and fresh chives makes it a perfect comfort food for chilly days. The hands-off cooking method allows you to enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal without the stress. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cozy, cheesy bliss!
Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: This spacious slow cooker makes it easy to prepare and simmer your soup to perfection, saving you time and effort.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Efficiently dice and prepare potatoes, onions, and garlic with this handy prep tool, streamlining your cooking process.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer: Perfect for shredding cheese or mixing ingredients, making your cooking easier and faster.
Creamy Cheesy Crock Pot Potato Soup with Bacon and Chives
A slow cooker cheesy potato soup loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, ideal for a cozy, satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place diced potatoes and chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Mash potatoes slightly in the cooker for a creamier texture.
- Stir in shredded cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 30 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
- Serve topped with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort-food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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