Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any season. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with comforting flavors that make it a family favorite. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet satisfying to serve at gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Loaded Potato Soup in a crockpot is an excellent choice for busy days. You can prepare it in the morning, set it to cook, and come back to a warm and inviting meal. The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully, and it’s a great way to use up potatoes. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings!
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Add the diced potatoes, onion, chicken broth, and garlic powder into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- For a thicker and creamier texture, mash some of the potatoes directly in the crockpot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Top with crispy bacon, more cheese, and chopped green onions if you like. Serve warm.
How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Serve this soup hot in bowls. You can offer extra toppings on the side, like more cheese, crumbled bacon, or green onions, so everyone can customize their serving. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
How to Store Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
To store the leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to leave some space in the container as it may expand when frozen.
Tips to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
- For extra flavor, consider using Yukon Gold potatoes which are creamier than other types.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- You can use croutons or tortilla chips for a crunchy topping instead of or in addition to bacon.
Variation
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting the bacon. Adding beans can increase the protein content, making it a filling meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes, but they might alter the texture slightly. Increase the cooking time if necessary.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that the chicken broth and any other added ingredients are gluten-free.
3. How can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the creaminess without the dairy.
