There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup on a chilly day. This hearty soup combines tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a velvety cream base that warms you from the inside out. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few humble ingredients simmer together in your slow cooker, transforming into a rich, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a cozy farmhouse kitchen. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Soup
Effortless prep: Toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Flavor-packed: The smoky bacon infuses every bite with savory richness.
Creamy & hearty: A comforting soup that feels indulgent yet uses simple ingredients.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters can’t resist a bowl.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
6–7 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) – The heart of the soup, providing creaminess and body. Yukon Golds give a buttery texture, while Russets break down for a thicker soup.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds depth and a savory base flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic kick.
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Infuses smokiness and adds a crispy topping.
4 cups chicken broth – Serves as the soup’s flavorful liquid base.
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
2 tablespoons butter – Enriches the soup with a velvety finish.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the potatoes.
Salt & black pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – For an extra creamy, cheesy twist.
Chives or green onions, sliced (for garnish) – A fresh, colorful finish.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside on paper towels, then crumble. Reserve a tablespoon of the bacon drippings for added flavor.
2. Load the slow cooker: Add potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and reserved bacon drippings. Stir to combine.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
4. Mash for creaminess: Once cooked, use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
5. Add richness: Stir in butter, heavy cream, and cheese (if using). Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until warmed through and creamy.
6. Finish with bacon: Stir in half of the crumbled bacon. Reserve the rest for topping.
7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and chives.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is loved because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes and aromatics to melt together, creating a naturally creamy base. Adding cream and butter at the end ensures the soup stays silky, not greasy. And of course, bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Soup
Use a mix of potatoes: Combining Yukon Gold and Russet gives the best balance of texture and creaminess.
Don’t skip the bacon drippings: A small amount boosts the overall depth of flavor.
Adjust thickness: For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes; for a thinner one, add extra broth.
Make it ahead: This soup reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep.
Cheese lovers: Stir in sharp cheddar for a loaded-baked-potato-style soup.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair your Creamy Potato Bacon Soup with:
Crusty bread or dinner rolls – Ideal for soaking up every drop.
A crisp green salad – Balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted vegetables – Adds color and extra nutrition to the meal.
Grilled cheese sandwiches – The ultimate cozy comfort pairing.
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Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is everything you want in a comfort dish—easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you’ll create a meal that feels special and indulgent, yet approachable for any day of the week. Whether you’r
e cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving a bowl of cozy goodness, this recipe delivers every time.
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