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If you love comforting bowlfuls of creamy, cheesy goodness packed with savory bacon and tender potatoes, then you are in for a treat with this Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe. This hearty soup is the ultimate cozy meal, combining simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into a silky, flavorful delight that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a soul-satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare, this recipe makes your kitchen smell like home and invites everyone to gather around the table with smiles and full hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy potatoes to the smoky bacon and rich cheddar cheese, ensuring a bowl that’s bursting with deliciousness.
- 6 cups peeled and diced potatoes: The heart of the soup, providing creaminess and body when cooked down.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the soup a gentle kick and aromatic warmth.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Acts as the savory base, infusing the soup with rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient and balances the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to keep each spoonful interesting.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the show, melting perfectly to give creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Brings irresistible smokiness and crunch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Infuses the soup with luxurious richness and smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup, creating a satisfying, velvety consistency.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, bright contrast to the hearty flavors as a garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the diced potatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika directly into your crockpot. These ingredients form the flavorful foundation for your soup. There’s something wonderful about tossing them all together and letting the crockpot do its magic slowly.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal here is to soften the potatoes until they are tender enough to mash easily—this slow cooking method infuses all the flavors and deepens the heartiness of the soup.
Step 3: Mash Some of the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, grab a potato masher and gently mash a portion of the potatoes right inside the crockpot. This step is crucial for thickening the soup while still keeping a bit of texture and chunkiness that makes every spoonful satisfying.
Step 4: Add the Cream Mixture
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. Then, stir this creamy mixture into the crockpot. This addition enriches the soup’s texture and helps thicken it to that ideal, luscious consistency we all crave in a great potato soup.
Step 5: Stir in Cheddar and Bacon
Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and mixed-in crumbled bacon. Stir occasionally until the cheese melts thoroughly and the soup thickens slightly. The cheddar creates that gorgeous gooey stretch and the bacon adds crispy, smoky bursts of flavor throughout.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This small step ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced and that each spoonful is just right.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s hot and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. The green parsley adds a lively pop of color and a touch of fresh bite that lifts the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to have a little fun and personalize your Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe. Fresh chopped parsley adds vibrant color and freshness, while extra crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar on top bring more indulgent flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions can also be fantastic additions for an extra layer of creaminess and crunch.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a light and crunchy side can truly elevate your meal. Think of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables add a nice contrast to the comforting soup, balancing the richness with fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your soup in rustic bread bowls is always a showstopper for entertaining or family dinners. You can also serve it in charming mason jars for a casual, yet stylish touch. For a family-style meal, place a big crockpot of soup in the center of the table with bowls and all the garnishes laid out so everyone can customize their bowls just the way they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, no worries! Your Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor. Soups like this often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had extra time to meld.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space for expansion, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just remember to freeze before adding any garnishes or delicate toppings to preserve the best texture when thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving large servings to preserve the creamy texture and prevent uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon or use a smoky vegetarian bacon alternative. The smoked paprika will help maintain a nice smoky flavor.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. Russets break down nicely for creaminess, while Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit more, giving a lovely texture variance in the finished soup.
Can I use shredded cheese other than cheddar?
Yes! While cheddar gives that classic flavor and color, feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for a different twist on the Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe.
Is there a way to make the soup thicker without flour?
Of course! You can mash more potatoes to thicken the soup or use cornstarch mixed with cold water as an alternative thickener. Just add it gradually and allow the soup to cook a few minutes until the desired thickness is reached.
How can I make this soup creamier?
For extra creaminess, increase the amount of heavy cream or add a spoonful of cream cheese while stirring in the cheddar and bacon—it melts into the soup and adds a luscious texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Potato Soup with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s straightforward, flexible, and delivers big on comfort and flavor every single time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy night in, this soup wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug with every spoonful. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create pure magic.
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