I remember the first time I made this soup—it was a chilly autumn evening, and my family had just returned from a long day of hiking. I wanted something that would warm us up and satisfy our hunger. The idea of a loaded potato soup, simmering away in the slow cooker, was just what we needed. As the soup cooked, the aroma of potatoes, bacon, and onions filled the house, creating a sense of anticipation and comfort. By the time we gathered around the table, the soup had turned out perfectly creamy and flavorful, and every spoonful was a hit.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 small onion, diced
4 strips bacon
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream
For Topping:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onion
Bacon bites or 2 additional bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Onion
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 4 strips of bacon in a small pan over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon grease in the pan for later use.
Cook the Onion: In the same pan with the bacon grease, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the flavor of the onion and adds depth to the soup.
Prepare Bacon and Onion for Soup: Once the bacon is cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Set both the crumbled bacon and sautéed onions aside. The bacon grease left in the pan will be used later to make the roux, which thickens the soup.
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Add Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, add 1 lb of peeled and cubed potatoes, the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 4 cups of chicken broth. The chicken broth provides a rich base for the soup and complements the flavors of the potatoes and bacon.
Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to become tender and easily mashable.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Prepare the Roux: About 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking, start preparing the roux. In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with the reserved bacon grease over medium heat. The combination of butter and bacon grease adds a deliciously rich flavor to the roux.
Add Flour: Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour. Continue to whisk until the mixture is well combined and starts to bubble slightly. This creates a smooth, thick paste that will help thicken the soup.
Incorporate Cream and Sour Cream: Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. This creamy mixture will be added to the slow cooker to enrich the soup’s texture and flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Finalize
Add the Roux: Pour the prepared roux into the slow cooker with the soup. Stir to combine, ensuring the roux is evenly distributed throughout the soup. This step thickens the soup and gives it a creamy consistency.
Continue Cooking: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes. This final cooking phase allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken further.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Soup: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. For added flavor and texture, top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and additional crumbled bacon or bacon bites if desired.
Garnish and Enjoy: The toppings add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy soup. Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting blend of savory bacon, creamy potatoes, and melted cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and a dairy-free butter substitute. Replace the heavy cream and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.
Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the soup for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add a layer of flavor.
Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker with a potato masher before adding the roux.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is the epitome of comfort food—a rich, creamy soup that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The slow cooking process ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and deliciously indulgent.
This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a great way to feed a crowd or prepare a meal in advance. The combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese is irresistible, making this soup a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this Baked Sweet & Sour Chicken will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
