There’s something incredibly comforting about diving into a bowl of creamy potato soup after a long day. This Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon is the kind of recipe that beckons you to slow down, settle in, and savor every spoonful. Tender russet potatoes meld with rich cheddar and a kiss of garlic, creating a velvety backdrop for crispy bacon crumbles. Each bite is a harmonious blend of soft, pillowy potato and sharp, smoky bacon, enlivened by a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Whether you’re curled up on the couch under a cozy blanket or hosting a relaxed dinner with friends, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
I still remember the first time I threw these simple ingredients into my slow cooker early in the morning, dismissing them as “just potato soup.” Hours later, I returned to the kitchen to discover the most soul-soothing aroma wafting through the room, beckoning me like a childhood memory. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility: you can let it cook on low while you tackle your to-do list, then come back to find it bubbling away, ready to be enjoyed. It’s beginner-friendly, yet so indulgent that even seasoned cooks will be impressed. Rich heavy cream, a pat of butter that melts into golden satiny pools, and just the right amount of seasoning transform humble pantry staples into an unforgettable comfort food experience.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HEARTY AND CREAMY CROCKPOT POTATO SOUP WITH BACON
Every outstanding recipe starts with quality ingredients that each bring something special to the table. In this section, we’ll break down the key players in your crockpot potato soup, so you know exactly what role each one performs to create this creamy masterpiece.
- Russet potatoes
These starchy potatoes break down beautifully during slow cooking, yielding a naturally thick and creamy base. Diced into bite-sized chunks, they provide that perfect balance of soft melt-in-your-mouth texture and tender chunks for delightful heft.
- Onion
When gently slowly cooked, chopped onion releases a sweet, savory foundation that deepens the overall flavor profile. It’s the aromatic backbone that harmonizes with the garlic and enhances every spoonful.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the soup with a subtle pungency and warmth. Just a few cloves add layers of complexity, without overpowering the delicate creaminess of the potatoes.
- Chicken broth
This liquid ingredient ensures your potatoes are fully immersed and simmer evenly, picking up savory notes along the way. It’s the flavorful cooking medium that turns plain potatoes into soup.
- Heavy cream
Pouring in heavy cream at the end brings that unmistakable rich, velvety mouthfeel. It elevates the soup from simple comfort food to an indulgent treat.
- Milk
Combined with heavy cream, milk lightens the richness slightly, creating a balanced, silky soup that isn’t too heavy yet still wonderfully creamy.
- Unsalted butter
As it melts into the hot soup, butter adds a glossy sheen and rounds out the flavors with smooth, buttery undertones.
- Thick-cut bacon
Cooked until crispy and crumbled into the soup, bacon contributes essential smoky, salty bites that contrast beautifully with the creamy potato base.
- Cheddar cheese
Melted shredded cheddar introduces sharpness and color, melding seamlessly into the hot soup for that classic cheesy pull.
- Sour cream
Stirred in at the end, sour cream lends a gentle tang and extra lusciousness, elevating the overall cream factor.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that fine-tune the taste, ensuring each spoonful is perfectly balanced between salty, creamy, and savory.
- Chives
Finely chopped chives sprinkled on top add a fresh, mildly oniony pop of color and flavor, giving the soup a bright finish.
HOW TO MAKE HEARTY AND CREAMY CROCKPOT POTATO SOUP WITH BACON
Ready to transform these ingredients into a soul-warming soup? Follow these detailed steps for foolproof results every time.
1. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the crockpot.
Layer the evenly cut potato chunks as the base so they cook uniformly and absorb the flavors that follow.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the potatoes.
Sprinkle the aromatics on top, ensuring that every piece of potato benefits from their sweet and savory notes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth over the potatoes, making sure the potatoes are just covered.
This precise liquid level prevents the soup from becoming too watery while allowing the potatoes to simmer gently.
4. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Slow cooking unlocks deep flavor, but the high setting works in a pinch for busy days—either way, cook until you can pierce the potatoes easily with a fork.
5. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
This step creates a creamy body and ensures you get both smooth creaminess and delightful potato bites.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Combine thoroughly so the dairy components create a seamless, silky soup base.
7. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and combined.
Be patient and keep stirring so the cheese integrates smoothly without clumping.
8. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
Tasting as you go ensures that every flavor note—from savory to creamy—is balanced perfectly.
9. In a separate skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble or chop into pieces and add to the soup, reserving some for garnish.
Crisp bacon provides a crumbly texture contrast and infuses the soup with smoky goodness.
10. Stir in the sour cream until well incorporated.
This final addition adds a gentle tang and an extra layer of luxury to your creamy concoction.
11. Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon, chopped chives, and cheddar cheese if desired.
Presentation is key—sprinkle on the toppings generously for a restaurant-worthy finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARTY AND CREAMY CROCKPOT POTATO SOUP WITH BACON
Once your soup is bubbling hot and loaded with flavor, it’s time to think about how to present it in the most crowd-pleasing way possible. A well-paired accompaniment or the right garnish can turn a simple bowl of soup into a memorable meal. Whether you’re setting a casual family table or hosting guests on a chilly evening, these serving ideas will help you create a cozy and delicious spread.
- Offer crusty bread on the side
Serve thick slices of warm, crusty sourdough or baguette to soak up every last drop of creamy soup. The contrast between crunchy bread and silky soup is divine.
- Top with a buttery garlic twist
Brush bread with melted garlic butter, toast it until golden, and place it atop the soup for a playful “soup-nest” presentation that doubles as a flavor bomb.
- Pair with a simple green salad
A crisp salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Create a toppings bar
Set out small bowls of extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream, letting everyone customize their bowl for an interactive mealtime twist.
HOW TO STORE HEARTY AND CREAMY CROCKPOT POTATO SOUP WITH BACON
Storing this luscious soup properly ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors days later without sacrificing texture or taste. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers, follow these tips to maintain peak freshness and creaminess in every reheated serving.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Stir well before reheating to restore its smooth consistency.
- Freeze individual portions
Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
- Avoid repeated reheating
Reheat only the portion you plan to eat; constant temperature changes can cause dairy to separate and the texture to become grainy. Warm gently on medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Revive creaminess with extra dairy
If the soup thickens too much after storage, whisk in a splash of milk or cream during reheating to bring back its velvety texture and bright flavor.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you set your crockpot to the first spoonful of hot, cheesy goodness, this Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon delivers on every level of comfort food nirvana. You’ve learned how to choose the right ingredients—from starchy russets to smoky bacon—and discovered the simple yet transformative power of slow cooking. We dove into step-by-step instructions, covering everything from mashing potatoes for that perfect texture to melting in sharp cheddar and creamy sour cream. You’ve seen serving suggestions that elevate a humble bowl into an inviting meal, alongside practical storage solutions to keep the soup tasting its best days after initial preparation. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, this recipe fits seamlessly into your routine, offering big flavors with minimal effort.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it on your device for easy access when the next chilly evening rolls around. You’ll also find an FAQ section below, addressing common questions and troubleshooting tips to ensure your soup comes out perfect every time. If you give this recipe a whirl, please leave a comment or drop any questions you might have—I’d love to hear about your tweaks, successes, or even the challenges you encountered. Your feedback helps me refine and share even more cozy, delicious recipes tailored to home cooks like you. Enjoy every creamy, bacon-studded spoonful!
Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon
Description
This hearty crockpot potato soup is a creamy delight, boasting tender potatoes, rich cheddar, and crispy bacon for an irresistible flavor combo. Perfect for cozy nights!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the crockpot.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the potatoes.
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Pour in the chicken broth over the potatoes, making sure the potatoes are just covered.
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Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a thicker consistency, leaving some chunks for texture.
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Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and combined.
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Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
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In a separate skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble or chop into pieces and add to the soup, reserving some for garnish.
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Stir in the sour cream until well incorporated.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon, chopped chives, and cheddar cheese if desired.
Note
- For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon.
- Adjust the thickness by mashing more or fewer potatoes as desired.
- This soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the bacon, or substituting it with a plant-based alternative.
- For a richer taste, add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
