Enjoy a creamy, comforting Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy, chilly days. This hearty soup brings together tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of green onions, all simmered slowly in your crockpot to create a flavorful bowl of warmth that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for comforting meals with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The slow simmer melds the potatoes and dairy into a velvety, comforting consistency that’s perfect to cozy up with.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adjust toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste or dietary preferences without losing the soup’s hearty essence.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough to save portions for busy days, ensuring warm comfort anytime.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it hits the right balance of mild but flavorful with familiar ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup recipe are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, or visual appeal. From hearty russet potatoes to sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, every addition creates layers of taste that come together beautifully.
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down nicely and give the soup its thick and creamy base.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps infuse the potatoes with flavor while cooking.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the soup, providing a rich and tangy note that complements the potatoes.
- Cooked Bacon Bits: Adds smoky crunch and an irresistible savory punch as a topping and mixed in.
- Green Onions: Freshness and color, these provide a mild onion flavor that lifts the whole dish.
- Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end for extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances out the richness.
- Butter and Flour (optional): Used for thickening if you prefer a creamier, chowder-like texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Variations for Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is incredibly easy to customize depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Feel free to tweak it to fit dietary needs or to explore new flavor combinations without complicating the process.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the bacon for a meat-free version full of flavor.
- Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella to experiment with mild to spicy twists.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Low Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes while keeping the creamy base for a satisfying keto-friendly delight.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you prefer a soup with some heat.
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and dice the russet potatoes into uniform chunks so they cook evenly. Chop green onions and cook bacon until crispy; crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Combine in Crockpot
Place diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to combine and cover with the lid.
Step 3: Cook on Low
Set your crockpot to low and let the mixture cook for 6-7 hours, or until potatoes are tender and beginning to fall apart.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Use a handheld immersion blender to partially mash the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer some soup to a blender and puree until smooth, then stir it back in.
Step 5: Add Creamy Ingredients
Stir in sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon until cheese melts and everything is well blended.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining bacon bits, green onions, and if desired, extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for that classic loaded baked potato flair.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
- Uniform Potato Size: Cut potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same pace and prevent some from getting mushy while others remain firm.
- Don’t Skip Partially Blending: Mashing part of the soup gives a luxurious texture without turning it into a puree.
- Layer Flavor: Add bacon both during cooking and as a topping for maximum smoky impact and texture contrast.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Sour cream and cheese with full fat melt beautifully and create a richer texture.
- Adjust Thickness: If soup is too thick, stir in a bit more broth or milk; if too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry or flour roux.
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Garnishes
Finish with crunchy bacon bits, fresh chopped green onions, an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream for that picture-perfect loaded potato experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a bright green salad to balance the richness and add satisfying textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in hollowed-out bread bowls or mini crock pots for a fun, rustic touch that’s sure to impress at a casual gathering or dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days; flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.
Freezing
Freeze soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with sour cream mixed in—add it fresh when reheating to keep texture smooth.
Reheating
Warm gently over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
Yes! You can cook diced potatoes and broth in a large pot on the stove over medium heat until tender, then follow the same blending and mixing steps for the creamy finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by skipping any thickening with flour or using a gluten-free flour alternative and ensuring your broth and bacon are free from gluten-containing additives.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute for smoky flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, celery, or corn add both flavor and texture, making the soup more hearty and colorful.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or cream cheese are great substitutes that provide a similar tanginess and creaminess without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup recipe is truly a hug in a bowl, combining simplicity with rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it’s the perfect way to bring comfort food to your table effortlessly. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, flavorful spoonful!