text: Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting, rich, and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. This easy recipe combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy broth, all cooked slowly to develop deep flavors that make this soup irresistible. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it and forget it, and come home to a warm, delicious meal that everyone will love. With a touch of garlic and herbs, this creamy potato bacon soup is the ultimate comfort food.
  Table of Contents
  - Tips for Perfect Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
  - Recipe Variations
  - Serving Suggestions
  - 6 slices bacon, chopped
  - 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
  - 1 medium onion, diced
  - 3 cloves garlic, minced
  - 3 cups chicken broth
  - 1 tsp dried thyme
  - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  - 1 tsp salt
  - 1/2 tsp black pepper
  - 1 cup heavy cream
  - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  - Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
  - Prepare the Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  - Add Bacon and Cook: Add half of the cooked bacon to the slow cooker, reserving the other half for garnish. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
  - Blend for Creaminess: Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until it’s creamy, but still has some chunks. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the slow cooker.
  - Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. If you’d like a thicker soup, whisk the flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the soup. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high until thickened.
  - Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and sliced green onions. Enjoy this comforting soup with a slice of crusty bread.
  Tips for Perfect Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
  - Choose the Right Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are perfect for this soup because they have a creamy texture when cooked, which enhances the soup’s overall richness.
  - Adjust the Consistency: Use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup for a creamy consistency, but leave some chunks of potato for texture. Adjust to your preference.
  - Add the Cream Towards the End: Adding the cream at the end of cooking helps prevent it from curdling and keeps the soup smooth and creamy.
  - Cheesy Loaded Potato Soup: Add extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl for a loaded potato soup experience.
  - Vegetable-Enhanced Soup: Add diced carrots and celery to the slow cooker along with the potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
  - Spicy Potato Bacon Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
  Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
  A: Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
  Q: Can I freeze this soup?
  A: It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cream, as cream can separate when frozen. Once thawed, add the cream while reheating to maintain the best texture.
  Q: How do I make the soup thicker?
  A: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  - With Crusty Bread: Serve this creamy potato bacon soup with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping.
  - Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
  - Toppings: Top with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even croutons for added texture and flavor.
  Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of year. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy broth creates an irresistible dish that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and the ease of a slow cooker, this soup makes dinner stress-free while delivering maximum flavor. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy, hearty taste of homemade potato bacon soup!