Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Nothing says comfort like a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup, especially when it’s infused with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon. Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety soup that warms both body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or lazy weekends, crockpot potato soup requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the potatoes to soften into a creamy texture while the bacon, onions, and seasonings meld together into a luxurious, savory broth. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of creaminess, heartiness, and the irresistible aroma of bacon sizzling to perfection.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a comforting solo meal, this recipe is endlessly customizable. You can adjust the creaminess, spice level, or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours. It’s the kind of recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth, satisfaction, and a little indulgence to every meal.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 6 medium, peeled & diced | 780 |
| Bacon strips | 6, cooked and crumbled | 270 |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | 45 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | 13 |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 800 |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded | 455 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Chives (optional, for garnish) | 2 tbsp | 2 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the bacon
Cook the bacon strips until crispy. Remove and crumble them. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease for sautéing the onions and garlic if desired. - Sauté aromatics (optional)
In a small pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in reserved bacon grease or a bit of butter until soft and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor of the soup. - Add ingredients to crockpot
Transfer diced potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. - Cook the soup
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. - Blend for creaminess
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks for a hearty bite. - Add cream and cheese
Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the soup is rich and creamy. - Serve and garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Enjoy hot.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or corn for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a mild kick.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or smoked gouda for different flavors.
- Make it Lighter: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for fewer calories.
- Make it Vegan: Use plant-based cream, vegetable broth, and vegan bacon alternatives.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Top with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra crispy bacon.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food
6
servings15
minutes6
hours300
kcalIngredients
6 medium russet potatoes, peeled & diced
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. Reserve 1–2 tbsp bacon grease for sautéing onions and garlic if desired.
- Sauté onion and garlic in bacon grease or butter until soft.
- Add diced potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a creamy texture, leaving some potato chunks.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and chopped chives.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For the creamiest and most flavorful soup, use fresh russet potatoes and cook them slowly in the crockpot to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the amount of cream and cheese to your preference for richness, and taste for seasoning before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
Yes! You can make it on the stovetop. Simply cook the diced potatoes, onions, and garlic in a large pot with chicken broth over medium heat until the potatoes are tender. Then add cream, cheese, and bacon, and stir until creamy.
2. Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; frozen potatoes may cook faster, so check for tenderness periodically.
3. How can I make the soup thicker?
Use less chicken broth, partially blend the potatoes, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) to thicken the soup.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
5. Can I freeze crockpot potato soup?
Yes. Allow the soup to cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Note: Cream and cheese can sometimes separate after freezing; reheat slowly and stir well.
Conclusion
This Hearty and Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings. Its creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and satisfying heartiness make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. With easy preparation, endless customization options, and rich, indulgent flavor, this crockpot potato soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Slow cooking has never been this comforting—or this delicious.
