A Hearty, Easy-to-Make Soup for Any Occasion
Few dishes are as comforting as a warm, creamy bowl of Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal, this soup delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, and creamy goodness, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
The best part? This recipe requires minimal effort, thanks to your slow cooker. Just toss in the ingredients, let them simmer, and come back to a pot of thick, cheesy, and hearty potato soup that’s perfect for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to make – No need for peeling or chopping potatoes—just dump and go!
✔ Rich and creamy – A velvety texture with a perfect balance of flavors.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
✔ Family-friendly – A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.
✔ One-pot convenience – The slow cooker does all the work for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for a flavorful and filling meal.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Frozen Hashbrowns (Shredded) | 30 oz (850g) |
Condensed Chicken Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Ranch Seasoning Mix | 1 package |
Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
Bacon (Cooked & Chopped) | 12 slices |
Cream Cheese (Diced) | 8 oz |
Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1½ cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
- Dice the cream cheese into small cubes to help it melt smoothly.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
- In your slow cooker, combine the frozen hashbrowns, condensed chicken soup, black pepper, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth.
- Stir well to evenly mix all the ingredients.
3. Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
4. Add the Cream Cheese
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the diced cream cheese to the slow cooker.
- Stir gently to help the cream cheese melt into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Finish with Cheese and Bacon
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
- Let the soup cook for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
- Garnish with extra cheese, bacon, or chopped green onions for added flavor.
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Soup
✔ Use quality bacon – Thick-cut bacon adds a deep, smoky flavor.
✔ Want it thicker? – Mash some of the potatoes or stir in a little cornstarch slurry.
✔ For extra creaminess – Add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
✔ Customize the toppings – Try green onions, crumbled crackers, or even jalapeños for a kick.
✔ Double the recipe – This soup freezes well for later meals.
Nutritional Benefits of This Soup
While this Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is indulgent, it also provides key nutrients:
1. Rich in Protein
Bacon and cheese contribute high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and energy.
2. Great Source of Calcium
Cheddar cheese and cream cheese provide calcium for strong bones and teeth.
3. Packed with Comforting Carbs
Potatoes are a great energy source, making this soup a satisfying meal.
4. Provides Healthy Fats
Cream cheese and butter add healthy fats, which help keep you full longer.
Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well with This Soup?
This Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right dishes takes it to the next level!
- Crusty Bread – A warm baguette or garlic bread complements the creamy texture.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The ultimate comfort food pairing!
- Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Slow Cooker: If reheating a large batch, warm it on low for about 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! Peel and dice about 5-6 medium potatoes into small cubes before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. Add extra seasonings for depth of flavor.
3. How can I make this soup lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories while keeping it creamy.
4. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply turn it on and let it cook.
5. How do I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) for a thicker consistency.
6. What are some other toppings I can add?
Try chopped chives, sour cream, crispy fried onions, or hot sauce for extra flavor!
Final Thoughts: Try This Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Today!
If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed soup, this Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect recipe to try. With minimal prep and easy slow cooking, you get a hearty, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Make a batch for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends, and customize it with your favorite toppings. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a go-to comfort food recipe in your kitchen!
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Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup: A Comforting and Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon, this Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made with shredded hashbrowns, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, this easy recipe requires minimal effort—just set it and forget it! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen hashbrowns, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces. Dice the cream cheese for easy melting.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker – Add frozen hashbrowns, condensed chicken soup, black pepper, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- Add the Cream Cheese – About 30 minutes before serving, add diced cream cheese. Stir to help it melt smoothly.
- Finish with Cheese and Bacon – Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and Garnish – Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a thicker soup: Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American