Why Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Is Perfect Comfort Food

Discover creamy, hearty Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup made easy—perfect for cozy dinners that warm your soul and satisfy every craving. This comforting soup combines tender potatoes with savory bacon, melted cheese, and fresh herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. It’s an ideal dish when you want something rich, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Just throw all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work, making dinner stress-free.
• Comfort food at its best: Rich, creamy textures and hearty flavors make it a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings.
• Customizable goodness: Easily adapted with your favorite toppings, dairy options, or extra veggies to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples like potatoes and broth, providing big flavor without breaking the bank.
• Meal prep friendly: Makes plenty to enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that bring out its creamy texture, savory flavor, and inviting color. Each addition plays a crucial role in making the soup both hearty and comforting.

• Russet potatoes: The main ingredient, diced and starchy for a smooth, velvety base when cooked down.
• Bacon strips: Crisped and crumbled to add smoky, savory depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Onion and garlic: Aromatics that build flavor and bring warmth to the dish.
• Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base, adding richness without heaviness.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese folded in at the end for creamy indulgence.
• Milk or cream: Adds smoothness and balances the bite of potatoes and bacon with gentle richness.
• Sour cream: Stirred in for tanginess and extra creaminess that makes each spoonful irresistible.
• Fresh chives or green onions: Bright, fresh garnishes that add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

Feel free to make this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup your own by tweaking ingredients according to what you like or what you have on hand. It’s incredibly easy to customize, whether you want to switch up your protein, cut down on dairy, or add extra veggies.

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor alternative.
• Extra veggies: Toss in diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut or almond milk plus dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
• Loaded with protein: Stir in shredded chicken or cooked sausage for a more filling meal.

How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into bite-sized cubes, then chop onions and mince garlic. Crisp the bacon in a pan, then crumble it to add later as a topping and stir-in.

Step 2: Combine in the crockpot

Place the diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, and chicken broth directly into the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend and enrich

Partially mash some of the potatoes with a spoon or potato masher right inside the crockpot to create that creamy soup texture. Then, stir in shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk or cream until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with crispy bacon, chopped chives or green onions, and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot for the ultimate cozy experience.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes break down beautifully, creating a creamy texture without needing to add flour or thickeners.
• Don’t skip browning the bacon: It adds rich flavor and a crunchy texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.
• Partially mash inside the crockpot: This technique keeps the soup thick and hearty while leaving some potato chunks for satisfying texture.
• Add cheese last: Stir cheese in towards the end to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating during cooking.
• Adjust milk amount: Add milk or cream gradually to control your preferred soup thickness and richness.

How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

Garnishes

Add fresh green onions or chives, extra shredded cheese, and crisp bacon pieces on top to elevate both flavor and presentation, making each bowl look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread, garlic rolls, or a crisp simple salad to balance the creamy richness with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup in rustic bread bowls or chilled Mason jars for casual entertaining or family-style meals, making it both fun and visually inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover soup refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days, giving flavors time to meld even more deliciously.

Freezing

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup freezes well—transfer cooled soup into airtight containers or freezer bags, then freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with added sour cream or fresh herbs; instead, add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use red potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Absolutely! Red potatoes will work, though the soup won’t be as creamy since they are waxier, but they do add a nice textured bite.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and check that your cheese and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms, and use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and sour cream alternatives for a delicious vegan version.

How long does it take to cook in the crockpot?

Cooking on low takes about 6-8 hours, while cooking on high reduces the time to 3-4 hours. Be sure potatoes are tender before adding dairy ingredients.

Can I skip adding sour cream?

You can, but sour cream adds a nice tang and creamy texture to the soup; if omitted, consider a bit more cheese or cream to maintain richness.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a big bowl of Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup to make your day better. Simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly comforting, this recipe deserves a regular spot on your dinner table. Give it a try, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every warm, creamy spoonful!

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