Loaded Potato Soup - A Comforting Classic Perfect for the Crockpot

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to a creamy, hearty bowl of Loaded Potato Soup.

This classic dish has all the elements of a cozy, warming meal — creamy potatoes, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and the fresh flavor of chives. The best part? You can make it effortlessly in your crockpot!

With minimal prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, this soup will have your home filled with an inviting aroma and a big pot of happiness ready to serve.

Loaded Potato Soup traces its roots to the beloved American baked potato, loaded up with all the fixings: butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. This soup takes those same delicious toppings and melds them into a smooth, velvety soup that’s packed with flavor in every bite.

If you haven’t tried making Loaded Potato Soup at home, now is the perfect time. Not only is it easy, but it’s also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re looking to create a rich, indulgent soup or something a bit lighter, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into this recipe and see how to make the ultimate Loaded Potato Soup in your crockpot!

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on Low (or 3-4 hours on High)
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup sour cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients
   Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into small cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. For the bacon, you can cook it on the stovetop until crispy, or use pre-cooked bacon crumbles for convenience.
2. Add to Crockpot
   In your crockpot, combine the diced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Cook Low and Slow
   Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Blend to Desired Consistency
   Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your preferred texture — leave a few potato chunks for a rustic feel, or blend until silky smooth for a creamier texture.
5. Add the Creaminess
   Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve with Toppings
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, and chopped chives for a beautiful and delicious finish.

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Tips for Making the Best Loaded Potato Soup

1. Use Starchy Potatoes
   Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They break down easily, creating a naturally creamy soup texture.
2. Adjust Thickness
   If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, you can thin it with a bit more chicken broth or even milk.
3. Customize Your Toppings
   The beauty of Loaded Potato Soup is in the toppings. Try adding extra sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or a sprinkle of paprika for a hint of spice.

Why Make Loaded Potato Soup in a Crockpot?

Using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together gradually, creating a deep, satisfying flavor with very little active cooking time.

This hands-off approach makes Loaded Potato Soup the perfect recipe for busy days, cold evenings, or whenever you’re craving a bowl of something soul-warming.

Plus, the slow, even cooking ensures your potatoes become tender without needing to stand over the stove.

So, grab your crockpot, prep those ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of Loaded Potato Soup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and full of classic flavors — a soup you’ll want to make on repeat all season long.