Description

A creamy, hearty, and easy-to-make soup that tastes like a loaded baked potato. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 kg)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
4–5 stalks green onions, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Peel and cube the potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Rinse them in a colander under cold water to remove excess starch.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until potatoes are fork-tender.
Use an immersion blender to pulse the soup a few times until it reaches your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, mash some potatoes against the side of the pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook on low for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon, green onions, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, rinse potatoes to remove starch. Sautéing onions adds depth of flavor. Shred cheese yourself for smoother melting. If freezing, freeze the base soup without dairy; add cream and cheese upon reheating to prevent separation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 680
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18

Keywords: slow cooker, potato soup, baked potato soup, comfort food, creamy soup, easy dinner, winter recipes