Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Looking for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? This slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is the perfect choice! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the toppings you love on a baked potato, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, delicious meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or cozy weekends. Keep reading for the full recipe, substitutions, tips, and serving suggestions!

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What is Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with tender potatoes, rich cream, butter, and cheese. It’s like your favorite loaded baked potato—complete with bacon, sour cream, and chives—transformed into a delicious, comforting soup. Using a slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare since most of the cooking happens while you go about your day. This dish is perfect for those who love rich, indulgent flavors without the fuss of constant monitoring on the stove.

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Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting soup:

• 6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup sour cream (for richness)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 lb bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
• Extra sour cream for garnish (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

1. Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down and create a creamy texture, but you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.
2. Bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon or want a vegetarian option, you can leave it out or substitute it with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives.
3. Broth: Chicken broth is traditional for extra flavor, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even water with bouillon cubes for a different flavor base.
4. Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegan cheese and butter.
5. Cheese: Cheddar is the go-to choice for this soup, but you can mix things up by using Monterey Jack, Colby, or even smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
6. Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, you can toss in diced carrots, celery, or even broccoli during the last hour of cooking.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine, and add a little salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
4. Mash or Blend the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker for a chunkier texture. For a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
5. Make the Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 2-3 minutes, and then pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, allowing them to melt into the soup. Cook for another 15-30 minutes on low to let everything blend together.
7. Cook the Bacon: While the soup is finishing, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Once cooked, crumble it and set it aside for garnish.
8. Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

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

Here’s a quick summary of the steps for easy reference:

1. Prep Ingredients: Peel and dice potatoes, chop onions, and garlic.
2. Slow Cook: Add ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Mash or Blend: Mash potatoes for a chunky texture, or blend for a smooth consistency.
4. Make Roux: Prepare a roux with butter, flour, and heavy cream, and add to the soup.
5. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream.
6. Garnish: Cook and crumble bacon, and serve the soup with your favorite toppings.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making slow cooker loaded baked potato soup, keep these tips in mind to avoid common mistakes:

1. Overcooking the Potatoes: While it’s hard to overcook potatoes in a slow cooker, leaving them on high heat for too long can cause them to disintegrate entirely. Cook on low for best results.
2. Skipping the Roux: The roux is crucial for thickening the soup. If you skip it, your soup may end up too thin. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch instead of flour.
3. Adding Dairy Too Soon: Adding cheese and sour cream too early can cause them to curdle. Always add these ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they melt smoothly.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is a deliciously creamy meal that can be made even more appealing with the right presentation:

• Top with Generous Garnishes: Don’t skimp on the toppings! Add a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra shredded cheese for that classic “loaded” look.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or a dinner roll is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Use a Fun Bowl: For a playful presentation, serve the soup in individual bread bowls, making the meal even more indulgent.

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How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This soup is a full meal on its own but can also be served alongside some simple sides:

1. As a Main Course: Serve a big bowl of this hearty soup with bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
2. As a Side: Serve smaller portions of the soup alongside a main dish like roasted chicken or a grilled sandwich.
3. For Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and also freezes nicely, making it a great option for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers and reheat as needed.

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Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here are some creative ways to present your soup to make it extra special:

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small round loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Layered Toppings: Create layers of toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream for a visually appealing and delicious bowl of soup.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

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Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• For Extra Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to blend half of the potatoes, or stir in some instant potato flakes as a thickening agent.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and sour cream instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the cheese and bacon.
• Boost the Flavor: For even more flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or some smoked paprika when seasoning the soup.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze slow cooker loaded baked potato soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! You can make this on the stovetop. Follow the same instructions, cooking the potatoes and onions in a large pot over medium heat. Once the potatoes are tender, add the roux and finish with the cheese and sour cream.

Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?

A: To make this soup gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickening agent.

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Conclusion

This slow cooker loaded baked potato soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any day when you’re craving something rich, creamy, and satisfying. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sour cream all coming together in one bowl, it’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Best of all, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it an easy option for busy days. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal that everyone in the family will love!

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