Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this irresistibly creamy Easy Loaded Potato Soup made right in your trusty crock pot! Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this recipe combines tender potatoes, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese into a bowl of pure comfort. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic for six hours while you go about your day. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delightful dish that’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a hearty soup that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by peeling and dicing the 6 large potatoes into small, even-sized cubes. This will help them cook evenly and blend well into the soup.
- Chop the onion finely. This will add flavor to the soup, so make sure to chop it into small pieces.
- In a large crock pot, combine the diced potatoes and chopped onion. Spread them out evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth over the potatoes and onions. This will be the base of your soup, providing moisture and flavor.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the potatoes for tenderness. They should be soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture or blend until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Finally, add the 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the soup. Stir to combine, and let it heat through for an additional 10-15 minutes on low.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the loaded potato soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture. They break down beautifully in the slow cooker, giving your soup that luscious consistency.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can peel and dice the potatoes and chop the onion the night before. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to save time in the morning.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving! Depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth, you may want to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add extra toppings like green onions, additional cheese, or even a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Customize your loaded potato soup to match your cravings!
- Creaminess Factor: For an even creamier soup, consider adding a little bit of cream cheese along with the sour cream. It adds a rich texture that elevates the dish.
- Storage Tips: Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezing: If you want to make a big batch, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to leave out the sour cream and cheese until you reheat it, as they can change texture when frozen.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
