Discover the ultimate in comfort food with our incredibly easy Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup recipe. This slow cooker marvel delivers a rich, hearty, and unbelievably satisfying meal with minimal effort. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a deeply flavorful soup, your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to enjoy a warm, delicious dish that the whole family will adore.
Easy Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup: Your Go-To Comfort Meal
As the leaves change and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring warmth and comfort. Forget complicated recipes and endless stirring; this Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup is designed for effortless perfection. It’s the ideal antidote to a busy day, allowing you to “set it and forget it,” then return home to a fragrant, ready-to-eat dinner. Packed with tender potatoes, savory bacon, aromatic onions, and rich cheese, this soup is a complete meal in itself, promising to become a cherished family favorite.
Why This Slow Cooker Potato Soup Will Be Your New Favorite
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key, especially when it comes to meal preparation. Our easy slow cooker potato soup recipe embodies this perfectly. Imagine starting your day by simply tossing a few ingredients into your crockpot, then letting it simmer slowly to perfection while you go about your business. No constant supervision, no last-minute rush – just the promise of a delicious, nourishing meal waiting for you. This “hands-off” cooking method not only saves you precious time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods.
Beyond convenience, this creamy bacon potato soup offers an unparalleled level of comfort. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of textures and tastes: the earthiness of tender potatoes, the smoky crunch of bacon, the subtle sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic, all brought together in a velvety, cheesy broth. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, making any day feel a little brighter. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, yet wonderfully smooth and inviting.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
Crafting this incredible slow cooker potato soup starts with a selection of simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Bacon: The star of the show! Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, salty, and savory depth that truly elevates this soup. You’ll cook it until crisp, then crumble it, using some for the soup and reserving some for a delicious garnish.
- Onion & Garlic Cloves: These aromatics form the foundational flavor base. Sautéing them briefly before adding to the crockpot releases their sweet and pungent notes, infusing the entire soup with a wonderful aroma and taste.
- Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture when cooked. Peeling and cutting them into 1-inch pieces ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender, ready to be mashed into a comforting consistency.
- Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth: This liquid base provides rich flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Using reduced-sodium allows you to control the saltiness to your preference.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to the soup’s luxurious, creamy texture. Stirred in at the end, it transforms the broth into a silky, indulgent consistency.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy, and gooey element that perfectly complements the potatoes and bacon. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
- Reduced-Fat Sour Cream: A dollop on top adds a refreshing tang and an extra layer of creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color as a garnish.
Preparing Your Delicious Crockpot Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this soup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet until it’s wonderfully crisp. Remove the bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces. You’ll add most of this to the soup and reserve some for garnishing.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (leaving a little bacon fat for flavor!), add your chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This crucial step softens their flavor and unlocks their aromatic potential.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the crumbled bacon (saving some for topping), peeled and diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and cook on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours, or until the potatoes are incredibly tender. The long, slow cooking process is what allows the flavors to deepen and the potatoes to break down beautifully.
- Achieve Creamy Consistency: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to make the soup creamy. Use a Mix n Chop or a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot to your desired consistency. For an extra smooth soup, an immersion blender works wonders.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Once mashed, stir in the heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it has melted completely into the warm soup, creating a rich, cheesy goodness.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, the reserved crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are excellent for a thick, starchy soup. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a slightly waxier texture but also contribute to a creamy consistency. Avoid waxy new potatoes as they don’t break down as easily.
- Bacon Prep: Don’t skip browning the bacon first! This step renders out the fat (which you can use to sauté the aromatics for extra flavor) and ensures crispy bacon bits, a crucial element for texture.
- Broth Quantity: The recipe calls for 32 oz (1 quart) of chicken broth. This provides ample liquid for the potatoes to cook in and contributes significantly to the soup’s body.
- Mashing Consistency: For a chunky soup, just lightly mash some of the potatoes. For a super creamy, restaurant-style soup, mash thoroughly or use an immersion blender until smooth.
- Creaminess Factor: Heavy whipping cream is key for richness. If you prefer a slightly lighter soup, you can use half-and-half or even milk, but the texture won’t be as luxurious. Add it at the end to prevent curdling.
- Cheese Melt: For the best melt, use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality. Stir it in slowly until fully incorporated.
Recommended Equipment for Seamless Slow Cooking
While the beauty of slow cooking is its simplicity, having the right tools can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few pieces of equipment we recommend for this Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): A good quality slow cooker is essential. We particularly suggest models with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This ensures your soup doesn’t overcook and stays at the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready to eat. A 6-quart capacity is ideal for this recipe.
- Vegetable Chopper: A real time-saver for chopping onions, garlic, and even potatoes efficiently.
- Mix n Chop (or Potato Masher): This tool is fantastic for breaking down the tender potatoes right in the crockpot to achieve your desired consistency.
- Immersion Blender: For those who prefer an ultra-smooth and creamy soup without any lumps, an immersion blender is a game-changer. It allows you to blend directly in the crockpot, minimizing extra dishes.
- Soup Bowls: Because a beautiful soup deserves a beautiful presentation!
Customizing Your Potato Soup: Variations and Add-ins
One of the best things about this creamy bacon potato soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is classic, try a blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end can also add a delightful umami kick.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) along with the onions and garlic.
- Herbacious Notes: Fresh or dried herbs can enhance the flavor. Try a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary added during the slow cooking process, or stir in chopped fresh chives or parsley right before serving.
- Veggie Boost: Add finely diced carrots, celery, or corn during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and texture.
- Protein Power: If you want to make it even heartier, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and a plant-based shredded cheese. The flavor will change, but it can still be delicious!
- Smoky Flavor without Bacon: For those who don’t eat pork, smoked paprika or liquid smoke can provide a similar smoky depth. You could also use smoked turkey bacon.
What to Serve with Your Creamy Potato Soup
This hearty soup is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and memorable meal:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. A warm baguette or garlic bread is always a hit.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The ultimate classic pairing! A gooey grilled cheese complements the creamy texture and comforting flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread can be a delightful addition, adding a different texture and taste dimension.
- Roasted Vegetables: A simple side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds a healthy and flavorful component.
For more ideas, explore our collection of epic sides for soup.
Explore More Delicious Crockpot Soup Recipes
If you loved the ease and flavor of this creamy bacon potato soup, you’ll be thrilled to discover the world of other slow cooker soups. They offer the same convenience and comforting taste. Here are some of our other favorite crockpot creations:
- Crockpot Pumpkin Soup: A warming, spiced delight perfect for autumn.
- Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: All the flavors of a cheeseburger, in a comforting soup form.
- Crockpot Vegetarian Soup: A wholesome and flavorful option packed with vegetables.
- Crockpot Lentil Soup – Vegan: A hearty, plant-based soup rich in nutrients.
- Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup: A rich and creamy classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Crockpot Sauerkraut and Sausage Soup: A unique and flavorful soup with a tangy kick.
Don’t stop there! Our site is a treasure trove of easy and delicious meals. Be sure to check out our copycat recipes for your restaurant favorites, indulgent dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion.
Crock Pot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup Recipe
Easy crockpot potato soup with bacon. This creamy slow cooker soup is so easy to make.
Print
Rate
20 minutes
7 hours
7 hours 20 minutes
6
236kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 2 slices Bacon
- 2 cups Onion chopped
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 3 lbs potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble.
- Add onions and garlic to a skillet (with a little bacon fat, if desired), and sauté until tender.
- Place sautéed onions and garlic in the crockpot.
- Add most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish), potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the potatoes are super tender.
- Mash potatoes to desired consistency directly in the crockpot. Stir in heavy whipping cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining crumbled bacon, sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Hamburger Mix and Chop (or potato masher)
- Skillet
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 171
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We truly hope you enjoy this outstanding Crockpot Creamy Bacon Potato Soup Recipe! It has quickly become one of our most beloved slow cooker meals, bringing warmth and happiness to countless dinner tables. Its rich flavor, comforting texture, and incredible ease of preparation make it an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to share with loved ones, this soup delivers every time. Happy cooking!
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Recipe originally shared on September 24, 2016. Updated on May 8, 2020.