If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty soup that practically makes itself while you get on with your day, this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe is exactly the warm hug you need. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender potatoes, bacon, and green onions, it’s the kind of dish that turns any chilly afternoon into a cozy celebration. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just love the simplicity of slow-cooked goodness, this soup combines simple ingredients with ultimate comfort food vibes in every luscious spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this soup plays a starring role, whether it’s bringing flavor, creaminess, or texture. These simple staples come together to make a dish that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward to put together.
- Russet potatoes (6 cups, peeled and diced): The hearty base that soaks up all the cozy flavors and thickens the soup naturally.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a gentle aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that fuels the slow cooker magic.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild, warming spice without overpowering the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully to create that cheesy, gooey goodness everyone loves.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Boosts the tangy creaminess and richness of the soup.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the texture smooth and silky without weighing it down.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): For that luscious, velvety finish you can’t resist.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Brings smoky, salty flavor and a nice crunch.
- Green onions (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and gentle bite.
- Additional cheddar cheese and bacon for topping (optional): Because extra is always a good idea!
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Start by tossing the diced russet potatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into your crockpot. This straightforward blend sets the groundwork for deep, comforting flavors to develop during the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. You’re aiming for the potatoes to become so tender they’re ready to melt into the soup, unlocking earthy, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Partially Mash for Texture
Once the potatoes are beautifully soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the soup just a bit. Leave some potato chunks to retain that comforting, homemade feel — thick and hearty but not completely pureed.
Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Ingredients
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly until everything is melted, combined, and warm — this will give your soup that irresistibly smooth, creamy texture that makes it loaded and luxurious.
Step 5: Add Bacon and Green Onions
Just before serving, fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. These final touches deliver bursts of savory crunch and freshness, elevating the soup’s flavor profile to the next level.
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the soup is delicious on its own, topping each serving with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of bacon crumbles, and a few slices of green onion really amps up the visual appeal and flavor. The garnishes add a lovely texture contrast and make every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every creamy drop. A fresh green salad or some roasted veggies can balance the richness, turning it into a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as an edible side. Alternatively, add a swirl of sour cream and a dash of smoked paprika to each bowl for a hint of color and spice to surprise your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it perfect for enjoying the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe ahead for a busy week, it freezes well without losing texture. Just cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that heavy cream and sour cream can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, so stirring thoroughly when reheating solves that issue.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep it creamy and prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a little milk or broth to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon to keep it vegetarian while still super flavorful and delicious.
What’s the best way to get chunks without a blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, a good old-fashioned potato masher works perfectly to break down some of the potatoes while keeping the texture chunky and hearty.
Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Cheddar is classic for this soup, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for different flavor notes.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based milks and cream alternatives, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy and tasty without milk products.
How thick should the soup be?
It should be thick and creamy but still spoonable with some potato chunks. If it gets too thick after resting, just stir in a bit more milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe truly hits all the right notes for a cozy, effortless meal that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or just craving a comforting dish, this soup makes the whole process a delight. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite slow-cooker classics you turn to time and again.
Print
Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (average between low and high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a blend of sour cream and cream for richness, this slow-cooked soup is easy to prepare and delivers hearty, satisfying flavors. The recipe allows for customization with toppings like extra cheese, bacon, and green onions, making it a perfect cozy meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Toppings
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Additional cheddar cheese and bacon for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easy to mash.
- Mash for Texture: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash the soup. This step thickens the soup while leaving some chunks for texture.
- Add Dairy: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and heated through, cooking for about 15–20 minutes more on low.
- Mix in Bacon and Green Onions: Stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions just before serving to add flavor and crunch.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions if desired for an extra loaded experience.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and omit the bacon.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the soup before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure that the broth used is gluten-free certified.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional milk or broth to achieve desired consistency.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
