Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

If you're craving a warm, hearty, and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe is perfect for you. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make this dish, from the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for the perfect presentation. Keep reading to discover how to make this creamy, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering dish!

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What is "Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup"?

"Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup" is a rich and creamy soup made with all the classic toppings of a loaded baked potato: bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. The potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld and create a thick, velvety soup that is both satisfying and flavorful. This recipe is ideal for busy people who want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare all the ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it, until it's time for dinner!

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

For the soup base:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)

For the toppings:

• ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Additional sour cream (optional)
• Croutons or garlic bread for serving (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe to suit your dietary preferences or to change up the flavors. Here are a few options:

• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can add sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu as a topping to replace the bacon.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk, and replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Choose dairy-free cheese and sour cream as well.
• Low-carb variation: Instead of potatoes, use cauliflower florets for a lighter, low-carb alternative. The result will still be creamy and delicious, but with fewer carbs.
• Extra protein: Add shredded chicken, turkey, or ham to the soup for a more filling and protein-packed meal.
• Different cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Chop the onion finely, and mince the garlic. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside for topping later.
2. Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to combine.
3. Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be soft and tender when done.
4. Mash or blend the soup: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier soup, mash it lightly, leaving some potato chunks intact. For a smoother soup, blend until creamy.
5. Add the dairy: Stir in the heavy cream, milk, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well until the cheese has melted, and the soup is smooth and creamy.
6. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika according to your preference.
7. Serve with toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve with croutons or garlic bread on the side for added crunch.

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

Cooking Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a breeze when you break it down into easy steps:

1. Chop and prep your ingredients: Dicing the potatoes, onions, and garlic is the most time-consuming part of this recipe, but once that's done, the rest is simple.
2. Set it and forget it: Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, the appliance does all the heavy lifting. Just check back after 6-8 hours to finish off the soup with the dairy and cheese.
3. Blend or mash: Depending on how creamy or chunky you like your soup, you can either blend it smooth or mash it for a rustic texture.
4. Top and enjoy: The toppings are what make this soup feel like a loaded baked potato, so don’t skimp on the bacon, cheese, and green onions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes: Potatoes can turn mushy if left too long in the slow cooker. Stick to the recommended cooking times to ensure they hold their shape while becoming tender.
• Using too much liquid: It’s tempting to add extra broth, but keep in mind that the soup will thicken as the potatoes break down. Start with the amount listed, and you can always add more if needed.
• Forgetting to season properly: Potatoes soak up a lot of seasoning, so make sure to taste the soup after adding the cheese and dairy. Adjust the salt, pepper, and any other spices to suit your palate.
• Skipping the toppings: The toppings are essential for achieving that loaded baked potato flavor. Bacon, cheese, and green onions add texture and a burst of flavor, so don’t leave them out!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters, especially when serving this soup to guests or family members. Here are a few ideas to make your Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup stand out:

1. Serve in bread bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. Not only does it look impressive, but the bread will soak up the creamy soup, adding to the flavor.
2. Garnish with flair: After ladling the soup into bowls, sprinkle the bacon, cheese, and green onions on top artfully. A dollop of sour cream in the center can create a beautiful contrast.
3. Add a sprinkle of paprika or black pepper: For a pop of color, dust the top of the soup with a bit of paprika or freshly ground black pepper right before serving.
4. Use colorful serving dishes: Bright bowls or soup plates can make the creamy white soup stand out visually.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Serve this soup with some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks on the side for dipping. A side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a simple sandwich, like a turkey or ham melt.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Layer the toppings: Start with a base of crumbled bacon, then a sprinkle of cheese, and top with a drizzle of sour cream and a few green onions. This layering adds depth to both flavor and appearance.
• Use individual crocks or bowls: If you have small, individual soup crocks, serving the soup in these can make it feel more personalized and cozy.
• Add a swirl: After adding the sour cream on top, use a toothpick to swirl it gently into the soup for a beautiful visual effect.

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

• Prep the night before: To save time, chop the potatoes, onions, and garlic the night before, and store them in the fridge. In the morning, you can quickly add everything to the slow cooker.
• Use a liner: For easy cleanup, use a slow cooker liner. It prevents the soup from sticking to the pot and saves you from scrubbing afterward.
• Don’t skimp on the cheese: The cheese adds richness and flavor, so make sure to use high-quality cheddar. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which often has anti-caking agents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup. However, soups with dairy can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. To avoid this, freeze the soup before adding the dairy ingredients. When reheating, stir in the cream, milk, and cheese once the soup is hot.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be different. Sweet potatoes will give the soup a sweeter, earthier taste, which can be delicious but will change the overall profile of the dish.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water after mashing the potatoes. Let the soup cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a simple, satisfying recipe that offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter evening or preparing it for a family gathering, this creamy soup will surely impress. With plenty of opportunities to customize and adjust the recipe, you can make it your own by playing with different toppings, ingredients, and presentation ideas. So grab your slow cooker and start making this delightful dish today!

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