Hearty Loaded Baked Potato Soup Made in a Slow Cooker
This cozy soup is perfect for chilly days when you want something warm and comforting without a lot of fuss. Loaded with tender potatoes, cheese, and bacon, it’s an easy slow cooker meal that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time3 hr 55 min
Total Time4 hr 15 min
Difficulty
Hard
Cooking Secrets
Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Avoid overcooking the soup to keep the potatoes from becoming mushy.
Add cheese and sour cream at the end to prevent them from curdling.
Ingredients
0/9
Why This Dish Is A Crowd Favorite
This soup is warm, comforting, and packed with rich flavors. It combines creamy potatoes with savory bacon and cheese, making it a satisfying meal on chilly days. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare and lets the flavors develop slowly.
Step 1
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with salted water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let them simmer until they’re tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 2
Toss the cooked potatoes into your slow cooker along with the chicken broth, processed cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, white onion, and green onions. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it’s nicely browned and crispy, turning it now and then—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels and let it cool for a few minutes before crumbling it into the slow cooker.
Step 4
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook the soup, stirring every now and then, until the potatoes start to break down and the mixture thickens a bit, which should take around 2 hours. Then, switch the slow cooker to low and let it cook for another hour and a half or so until it’s nice and thick.
Step 5
Give it a final stir, taste, and adjust any seasoning if needed before serving. Enjoy!
73
people cooked this recipe
ByDaniel Wilson
Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.
Best Foods To Serve With This
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Top each bowl with extra bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
Storage Advice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. To freeze, cool completely and use freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato instead of Idaho potatoes?
Yes, russet potatoes are best for this soup, but Yukon Gold can work too. Avoid waxy potatoes as they hold shape too much.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before cooking?
No, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients to the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of processed cheese food?
Cream cheese and shredded cheddar can be used, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How thick should the soup be when done?
It should be creamy and slightly thickened, with some potato chunks breaking down.
Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, until thick and creamy.
This simple and flavorful burger combines ground chicken with hearty chickpeas for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknigh...