Description
This Loaded Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup is a comforting and creamy soup made with real russet potatoes, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, and sour cream, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying bowl of soup.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 6 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Add-Ins & Toppings
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large crock pot, combine the peeled and cubed potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash Soup: Once the potatoes are tender, use a masher to mash the mixture slightly until the potatoes are coarsely chopped and the soup thickens slightly, creating a chunky texture.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh chives or green onions until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with crumbled cooked bacon, additional cheddar cheese, and extra chives for garnish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit bacon.
- You can prepare the soup the night before and reheat gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker set to warm.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper to taste after cooking.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter texture.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the soup after cooking.
