Homestyle Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup (Print Version)

Homestyle Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup - creamy, cheesy comfort. This simple slow cooker recipe makes weeknight dinners feel warm and special.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains dairy, meat

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and 1-inch cubed
02 - 4 cups chicken broth
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 1 tsp salt
07 - ½ tsp black pepper

→ Creamy Goodness

08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)

→ Flavor Builders

11 - 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

→ Toppings & Garnish

12 - ½ cup green onions, chopped
13 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those potatoes peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces. I usually go for about 1-inch chunks. Chop your onion and mince that garlic – honestly, the smell of fresh garlic hitting the cutting board is just the best. And for the bacon, fry it up until it’s perfectly crispy, then drain it and crumble it. This is where I always sneak a piece or two for myself, oops! Set aside some crumbled bacon for topping later; you'll thank me.
02 - In a skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften, getting all translucent and sweet, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter, and we don't want that! This step really builds a foundational flavor for your Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, so take your time here.
03 - Now for the easy part! Transfer your sautéed onion and garlic into your slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. It should smell promising even at this stage, like a warm kitchen hug. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is where the magic happens, letting those potatoes get super tender.
04 - Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it's time to make it creamy! You can use a potato masher right in the crockpot to mash about half to two-thirds of the potatoes. I like to leave some chunks for texture, but you do you! Then, add in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk. Stir it all until the cheeses are melted and everything is beautifully smooth and thick. This is where the aroma really starts to get me!
05 - Now, stir in most of your crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish, of course. Give it another taste test – this is crucial! Does it need more salt? More pepper? Maybe a little extra garlic powder if you're feeling wild? Adjust the seasonings until it's just perfect for your palate. This Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is all about making it your own.
06 - Ladle your gorgeous, creamy Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part: loading it up! Garnish generously with the reserved crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and maybe an extra dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (if you’re feeling fancy). The final result should be thick, rich, and utterly comforting, smelling like pure happiness. Enjoy, friend!

# Notes:

01 - Always sauté your aromatics (onion, garlic) before adding them to the slow cooker; it really deepens the flavor, I learned that the hard way.
02 - If your soup gets too thick after chilling, add a splash of milk or broth while reheating on the stovetop to bring it back to consistency.
03 - For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon; I've tried adding smoked paprika for a similar savory depth.
04 - A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, along with fresh green onions, is a must-have garnish for that authentic 'loaded' experience.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 - Large skillet
03 - Potato masher
04 - Cutting board
05 - Sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 18g

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