If you’re craving something heartwarming, comforting, and downright delicious, this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes humble potatoes and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful delight that’s packed with cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and just the right touch of herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd, this soup is one of those dishes that hits every comforting note you didn’t even know you needed. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day. Trust me, once you’ve made this soup, it’s going to be your go-to recipe every time chilly weather rolls around!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create a creamy, savory soup with great texture and depth. Each item is essential, balancing richness, seasoning, and that classic loaded potato flavor.
- 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced: The star of the show, these potatoes provide hearty texture and help thicken the soup as they break down.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory punch that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid base, giving the soup its comforting warmth and savory backbone.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, balances the flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of spice and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a gentle herbaceous note that complements the potatoes.)
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that rich, velvety creaminess that makes this soup so indulgent.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty goodness that gives the soup its classic loaded potato character.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and an extra layer of creaminess, rounding out the texture.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crunchy, smoky, and irresistible—these make the perfect topping and mix-in.
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional): For a fresh, mild oniony kick and a splash of color on top.
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by adding the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and dried thyme into your crockpot. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors from the start. This is the foundation that will develop a rich, soul-warming broth as it cooks. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the potatoes are soft and tender.
Step 2: Mash for Texture
Once your potatoes are perfectly cooked, it’s time to get hands-on with a potato masher or an immersion blender. The goal here is to mash the potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks intact. This little step ensures your soup isn’t too smooth or boring—it keeps a lovely rustic texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.
Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Goodness
Next, fold in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir gently but thoroughly, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup and the creaminess to mingle seamlessly with the hearty potatoes. After mixing, let the soup cook on low for another 15 to 20 minutes, just long enough to heat everything through and marry the flavors even more.
Step 4: Finish with Bacon and Chives
Before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and optional chopped chives on top. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky crunch that’s essential to every loaded potato experience, while the chives offer a fresh and colorful contrast. Now, your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the toppings—they truly elevate the soup. Crumbled bacon adds a fantastic crispy texture, chopped chives bring some fresh color, and extra shredded cheddar can be melted on top for cheesier indulgence. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or green onions, giving every bowl extra personality and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A crusty baguette or warm garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness, making it a full meal. For something heartier, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or even a simple grilled cheese sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or ramekins. Garnish with colorful toppings like diced tomatoes or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Hosting a get-together? Ladle the soup into small mason jars or cups for convenient, charming servings that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps really well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight. Give it a good stir before reheating, as the ingredients may settle or thicken up in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze this loaded potato soup, but keep in mind that the cream and potatoes may separate slightly after thawing. To freeze, cool the soup completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back that creamy consistency if it thickens too much during refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative. The soup will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Russet potatoes work best for texture and creaminess, but you can experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly waxier, buttery flavor, though the soup may be a bit less thick.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that the soup will be less rich but still flavorful and comforting.
What if my soup is too thick?
Just add a bit more chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine.
Can I prepare this soup in advance before cooking it?
You can prep all the ingredients up to the point of cooking by chopping and measuring them the day before. Store them in the fridge and start the crockpot fresh when you’re ready to cook for optimal flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that feeds both the body and soul, and this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe does exactly that. Easy to prepare yet full of layers of flavor and comforting textures, it’s the kind of dish you’ll happily return to again and again. So, pull out your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy classic that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
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Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender russet potatoes, savory bacon, cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings, it’s effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker to develop deep flavors and a smooth, hearty texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Dairy & Toppings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and dice the russet potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic to have all ingredients ready for the slow cooker.
- Add to crockpot: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme into the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Mash potatoes: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to slightly mash the potatoes within the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until the soup is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Final heating: Cook the soup for an additional 15–20 minutes on low heat, allowing everything to heat through and the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cooked and crumbled bacon and chopped chives if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and calories.
- Add extra shredded cheese or top with green onions for enhanced flavor.
- For thicker soup, reduce chicken broth slightly or stir in a cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency.
