Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make meal, this Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the perfect recipe for you. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving a warm, savory dish, this recipe offers simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this incredible meal.

What is Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delicious and creamy soup made with tender potatoes, a rich broth, and all the classic baked potato toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. The slow cooker makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, as it does most of the work for you. Simply add your ingredients, set your cooker, and return to a ready-to-serve, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added flavor)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients for Topping Your Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Extra cooked bacon crumbles
• Diced green onions
• A dollop of sour cream
• Freshly ground black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, and there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability:

• Potatoes: If you don’t have russet potatoes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work well as substitutes, although the texture will be slightly different.
• Bacon: For a healthier or vegetarian version, you can use turkey bacon or skip the bacon entirely and opt for a meat-free version with veggie-based toppings.
• Cheese: While sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for this recipe, feel free to substitute it with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mixture of cheeses to suit your taste.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and replace the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure that the ingredients you're using (like broth and bacon) are certified gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and dice your potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready before starting makes the process smoother.
2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the diced potatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika into your slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the potatoes are fully submerged in the broth.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, if you're in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Mash the Potatoes: After the cooking time, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the potatoes inside the slow cooker. If you prefer a chunkier soup, mash lightly. For a smoother consistency, blend until you reach your desired texture.
5. Add Creamy Ingredients: Stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all the dairy ingredients are fully incorporated and the soup becomes thick and creamy.
6. Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Let the cheese melt into the soup, which will add to its rich, creamy consistency.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with a Well-Greased Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
2. Layer the Ingredients Properly: Place the potatoes at the bottom, followed by onions and garlic. Pour in the broth last to ensure that the potatoes stay covered during cooking.
3. Slow Cooking is Key: Patience is the secret to a perfectly cooked potato soup. Cooking on low ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly and the potatoes develop a soft, creamy texture.
4. Check Consistency: After mashing the potatoes, if the soup seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. Alternatively, if it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to reduce.
5. Add Garnishes Just Before Serving: Wait to add your final toppings (cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions) until the soup is served to keep the textures fresh and the flavors bright.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Mashing the Potatoes Thoroughly: If you prefer a smooth, creamy soup, be sure to mash the potatoes well or use an immersion blender. Leaving them too chunky may give you more of a stew-like consistency than a creamy soup.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding cheese early in the cooking process can cause it to separate and become grainy. Always add cheese in the final steps of cooking.
• Over-seasoning at the Start: Remember that bacon and cheese can be salty, so it’s best to add minimal salt in the beginning and adjust seasoning toward the end.
• Not Adjusting Thickness: Some potatoes can absorb more liquid than others, so always check the consistency of your soup before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is perfectly cooked, it's time to serve it in style!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun and hearty presentation, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only makes the dish more filling but also adds a rustic charm to your meal.
• Add a Side of Crusty Bread: If you prefer a more traditional serving, offer a side of toasted sourdough or crusty French bread to dip into the soup.
• Serve with a Fresh Salad: Pair the rich, creamy soup with a light, crisp salad to balance the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Garnish Like a Pro: Add a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkling of green onions on top of each bowl. This not only makes the soup more flavorful but also visually appealing.
• Use Fun Toppings: For a twist on the classic toppings, consider adding avocado slices, jalapeño slices for heat, or even fried onions for an extra crunch.

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Double the Recipe: This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later on. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Keep the Texture in Mind: If you're freezing the soup, avoid adding sour cream, cream cheese, or shredded cheese before freezing. Stir these ingredients in when reheating for the best texture.
• Use Leftover Baked Potatoes: If you have leftover baked potatoes, you can chop them up and use them in place of raw potatoes to cut down on cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup can be made a day in advance and reheated. In fact, like many soups, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

2. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
Yes, but make sure to freeze it without the sour cream, cheese, and cream cheese, as these ingredients can change texture when frozen. Add them after reheating.

3. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely. Yukon Gold potatoes will give the soup a buttery flavor, while red potatoes hold their shape well if you prefer a chunkier texture.

4. How do I thicken or thin the soup?
If your soup is too thick, add more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it reduces, or stir in more mashed potatoes to thicken it.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the bacon. You can add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you're enjoying it on a cold winter evening or serving it as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this recipe will not disappoint. Remember to experiment with toppings and substitutions to make the dish your own. Get cooking and enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this classic soup today!

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