There’s nothing better than a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup on a cold day. And when you add crispy bacon, garlic, and a slow-cooked richness, you get the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is easy, indulgent, and packed with flavor. The best part? The crockpot does all the work—just toss in the ingredients, let them simmer, and enjoy a rich, velvety soup with minimal effort. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try!
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop – making every bite rich and delicious.
- Bacon adds a smoky, savory kick – a perfect contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Thick and hearty texture – no watery soup here!
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe – perfect for busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours)
For the Soup:
- 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (russet or Yukon gold)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra crispy bacon crumbles
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Ingredients
Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Mash or Blend for Creaminess
For a chunky soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker.
For an extra creamy soup, use an immersion blender to blend it until smooth.
5. Stir in the Creamy Ingredients
Add the heavy cream, sour cream, butter, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir until fully melted and combined.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Potato Bacon Soup
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture – they blend better than russets.
- Don’t skip the cheese! It adds richness and extra flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) at the end.
- Want more protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced ham.
What to Serve With Potato Bacon Soup
This soup is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with:
- Crusty garlic bread – perfect for dipping.
- A fresh green salad – to balance the richness.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches – because why not add more cheese?
- Roasted vegetables – a great way to add some greens.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but leave out the dairy (cream, sour cream, and cheese) until after reheating, as dairy can separate when frozen.
Q: What’s the best way to make this soup vegetarian?
A: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the bacon (or use a smoky, plant-based alternative).
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but the soup won’t be as rich. Use whole milk or evaporated milk for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is everything you want in a cozy, comforting bowl of soup—rich, creamy, and packed with delicious smoky bacon flavor. Plus, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, which means you can enjoy homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Do you prefer it chunky or extra creamy? However you make it, this soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine diced potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the heavy cream, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and additional cheddar cheese if desired.
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