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Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar

Creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup with Bacon and Cheddar
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A warm and comforting creamy potato soup made effortlessly in a Crock Pot, featuring tender russet potatoes, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty soup is velvety, flavorful, and perfect for cozy meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 6 slices smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 green onions or chives, finely chopped
  • Extra crumbled crispy bacon
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese
  • Dollop of sour cream
  • Fresh parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a skillet until crispy. Set aside the bacon, reserving the fat for extra flavor if desired. Peel and cube the russet potatoes evenly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic to build the flavor base.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half but do not add the cheddar cheese yet to prevent curdling during cooking.
  3. Slow Cook: Set the Crock Pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking softens the potatoes thoroughly, allowing them to release starch that thickens the soup, while blending all flavors together.
  4. Blend and Add Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives, extra bacon bits, shredded cheddar, sour cream, or fresh herbs according to your preference. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy potato soup.

Notes

  • Cut potatoes evenly to ensure they cook consistently and provide a pleasant texture.
  • Cook the soup low and slow to enhance flavors and keep the texture silky smooth.
  • Add shredded cheese toward the end of cooking to avoid graininess or breaking.
  • Use high-quality chicken broth for deeper flavor.
  • Reserve some cooked bacon pieces for garnish to add crunch and extra smoky flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir before reheating.
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; cheese texture may change slightly after thawing.
  • Reheat gently to maintain creaminess and avoid scorching.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, crock pot soup, creamy potato soup, bacon and cheddar soup, comfort food, slow cooker recipe, easy soup, cozy meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-crock-pot-potato-soup-with-bacon-and-cheddar/