Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and loaded with all your favorite baked potato toppings like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. This recipe is super easy to prepare because the slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together as the potatoes become tender and delicious. Perfect for a chilly night or when you're craving a warm, cozy meal, this soup is a hit with the whole family. Let’s get into how to make this indulgent soup that tastes like a loaded baked potato in every spoonful!

this Recipe

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What Is Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a creamy, rich soup made with russet potatoes, cooked low and slow until tender, and then blended with milk, cream, and cheese. The soup is then topped with classic baked potato toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, making it taste just like a loaded baked potato in soup form. This slow cooker version allows you to prep the ingredients in minutes and let them cook all day for a fuss-free meal that’s ready when you are.

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Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, creamy Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

For the Soup:

• 6 cups diced russet potatoes (about 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For the Toppings:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3-4 green onions, sliced thinly
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Substitutions and Variations

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon substitute.
• Healthier Option: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of heavy cream. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the soup.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: You can add diced carrots, celery, or even cauliflower to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Vegetables

• Start by peeling and chopping the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

• Place the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme into the slow cooker.
• Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Thicken the Soup

• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with the milk until smooth to create a slurry.
• About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the milk mixture and heavy cream to the slow cooker, stirring well.
• Cover and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.

Step 4: Blend the Soup (Optional)

• For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup directly in the slow cooker, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, transfer about half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip this step and simply stir the soup well.

Step 5: Prepare the Toppings

• While the soup finishes cooking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
• Shred the cheddar cheese, slice the green onions, and prepare the sour cream.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Once the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.

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

This Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is incredibly easy to make. Just toss the potatoes, onions, garlic, and broth into your slow cooker and let it cook all day. Toward the end, thicken it with milk and cream, blend to your preferred consistency, and load it up with your favorite baked potato toppings. With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing all the work, you'll have a creamy, indulgent soup that tastes like a baked potato in a bowl.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Undercooking the potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender before adding the milk and cream. Undercooked potatoes can lead to a lumpy, underwhelming soup.
• Adding dairy too early: Wait until the end of the cooking time to add milk, cream, or other dairy. If added too soon, the dairy may curdle or separate.
• Over-blending: If you blend the soup too much, you could end up with a texture that's too smooth or even gluey. Only blend part of the soup if you want a balance of chunky and creamy textures.
• Not tasting for seasoning: Before serving, always taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Potatoes can absorb a lot of salt, so you may need to add more salt and pepper at the end.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best experience, serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup while it's hot, topped with all the classic baked potato toppings. Here are a few serving tips:

• Serve with bread: Pair the soup with slices of crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
• Offer a toppings bar: Let everyone customize their soup by setting out bowls of toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or chives. You could even offer extra toppings like jalapeños, sautéed mushrooms, or diced tomatoes.
• Make it a meal: Serve the soup with a side salad, such as a simple green salad or Caesar salad, to balance out the richness.

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How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is best served in bowls with plenty of toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. It's rich enough to be a meal on its own, but you can also serve it with bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a more complete dinner. You could even serve it in bread bowls for an extra fun and filling presentation.

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Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

While Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a rustic, homey dish, there are still plenty of ways to make it visually appealing:

• Serve in individual bread bowls: Hollow out small bread loaves and ladle the soup inside for a fun presentation.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds color and freshness to the rich soup.
• Top with extra cheese and bacon: For extra indulgence, add a generous layer of shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top of each bowl before serving.

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Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down nicely and help thicken the soup. You can also use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture.
• Adjust the thickness: If the soup is too thick after adding the milk and cream, stir in a little more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Make it ahead: This soup stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it thickens too much in the fridge, add a little broth or milk to loosen it up when reheating.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup?

You can freeze the soup, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups may change texture when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, consider freezing it before adding the milk and cream. When reheating, add the dairy after thawing the soup.

Can I use another type of potato?

Yes! Russet potatoes are recommended for their starchy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier soup. Red potatoes will work too, but they tend to hold their shape more and won't break down as much.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, with its creamy texture and all the delicious flavors of a classic loaded baked potato. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or prepping it for a cozy night in, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit. Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and load it up with your favorite toppings for a truly satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of pure deliciousness!

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