The Creamiest Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Creamy slow cooker loaded baked potato soup offers comfort in every spoonful that warms you from the inside out.

Nothing beats a hearty bowl when chilly winds blow outside.

Cold afternoons demand something substantial and rich with flavor.

Potatoes become magical when combined with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Tender chunks of potato swim in a velvety broth that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction with this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe.

How to Store Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid adding dairy toppings before freezing.
• Transfer soup to a pot, warm over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature and consistency. Add fresh toppings like bacon and green onions after reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will slightly change the texture and flavor of the soup.

• Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains protein from dairy and optional bacon, vegetables, and can be modified with low-fat ingredients to make it healthier.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip bacon. Add more cheese or plant-based bacon alternatives for extra flavor.

• How can I make the soup extra creamy?

Use an immersion blender to blend some potatoes or add extra sour cream and Greek yogurt for a richer, smoother consistency.

Why Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Is So Easy

• Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust toppings like bacon, green onions, or extra cheese to match personal taste preferences and make each bowl unique.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Delivers a hearty, creamy soup that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gathering everyone around the dinner table.
• Stress-Free Meal Prep: Requires basic ingredients and simple steps, making it an ideal option for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetable that forms the foundation of this creamy soup.
• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and adds rich flavor to the soup.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the overall dish.
• Garlic: Brings intense, savory flavor to enhance the soup's taste.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Salt: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's flavor profile.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to brighten the soup.

• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, rich cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt: Add tanginess and create a luxurious, creamy finish.

• Bacon, Green Onions: Crispy and fresh toppings that add texture and additional flavor to the finished soup.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Base

Toss the whole potatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and parsley directly into your slow cooker.

Make sure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes become super tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Grab a potato masher and gently break down some of the potatoes, creating a rustic, chunky texture.

This helps thicken the soup and release more potato flavor into the broth.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth and lump-free.

Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.

Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to help the soup reach a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Add Creamy Dairy Elements

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt.

Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, velvety soup.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Partially mash potatoes to create a creamy texture while keeping some potato chunks for hearty bites.
• Mix cornstarch with cold water to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even soup consistency.
• Add cheese, sour cream, and Greek yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky smooth finish.
• Crisp bacon just before serving to maintain its crunch and add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy soup.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting soup.

Variations on Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit bacon. Add extra vegetables like carrots and celery for more nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap cheddar cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast and coconut cream. Use plant-based yogurt alternative for creamy texture.
• Cauliflower Potato Blend: Mix cauliflower with potatoes to reduce carbohydrates and increase vegetable content. Keep same cooking method and seasonings.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions for Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Party Topping Station: Set up a fun DIY toppings bar with crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, extra sour cream, and crispy potato skins for guests to customize their soup.
• Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair the soup with crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for a hearty and satisfying winter meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Game Day Starter: Serve in small mugs or shot glasses as an appetizer during sports gatherings, perfect for football or movie nights with friends.
• Leftover Magic: Refrigerate remaining soup and reheat the next day, adding fresh toppings to refresh the flavors and create a quick lunch or dinner.

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup, bringing hearty Wisconsin flavors to your kitchen. Rich with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and creamy potato goodness, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups (340 grams) cheddar cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or 3 tablespoons fresh parsley)

Creamy and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups (320 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch + cold water
• 10 cooked bacon slices, broken into pieces
• Green onions for serving

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Instructions

1. Combine root vegetables, aromatic alliums, savory liquid base, and seasonings in the slow cooker, creating a foundational flavor profile.
2. Allow ingredients to simmer and meld at low temperature (6-8 hours) or high temperature (3-4 hours) until vegetables reach optimal tenderness.
3. Gently break down potatoes using a manual masher, creating a rustic, slightly textured consistency.
4. Prepare a quick thickening agent by whisking cornstarch with cold liquid until perfectly smooth, then incorporate into the simmering mixture.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to develop rich, concentrated flavors and achieve desired soup consistency.
6. Introduce creamy dairy elements – sharp cheddar, tangy cultured cream, and protein-rich yogurt – stirring until fully integrated and luxuriously smooth.
7. Plate the steaming soup, garnishing with crisp, rendered bacon bits and delicate green onion ribbons for a final flavor and textural enhancement.

Notes

• Customize thickness by adjusting cornstarch mixture for desired soup consistency.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of the recipe.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for a healthier, lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
• Prepare bacon ahead of time and store separately to maintain crispiness when adding as a topping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg