Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup: Easy, Creamy, And Comforting Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, you can’t go wrong with baked potato soup in a crock pot. This recipe delivers all the flavors of a loaded baked potato in a rich, creamy, and satisfying soup, all with the convenience of your slow cooker.

This isn’t just any potato soup; it’s a cheesy baked potato soup crock pot version that’s packed with flavor and texture. Think soft, tender chunks of potato swimming in a velvety broth, infused with the savory goodness of bacon and the sharpness of cheddar cheese. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

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Why This Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

This baked potato soup slow cooker recipe offers a multitude of benefits that will make it a staple in your kitchen:

Effortless Cooking: The crock pot is your best friend here. Simply toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it. No constant stirring or watching over a hot stove.
Rich and Creamy without Heavy Cream: This recipe achieves a luxurious texture using whole milk and a touch of sour cream, making it lighter than traditional versions but just as satisfying.
Customizable to Your Heart’s Content: Just like a baked potato, this soup is a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Get creative and make it your own!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love the familiar and comforting flavors of this cheesy potato soup.
Budget-Friendly: Potatoes, broth, and cheese are all affordable ingredients, making this a delicious and economical meal.

Ingredients for the Best Baked Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

To make this easy baked potato soup crock pot recipe, you’ll need:

Potatoes: 3 pounds of Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Russets are ideal for their starchy texture, which contributes to the soup’s creaminess.
Chicken Broth: 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Bacon: 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth to the soup.
Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the soup.
Milk: 2 cups of whole milk.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a superior flavor.
Sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream. This adds a tangy creaminess that perfectly complements the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Note: This recipe card will be placed below with a complete list of ingredients and quantities in printable format.

Pro Tip: The Secret to Perfectly Melted Cheese

For the smoothest, most flavorful cheese integration, always shred your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as well.

Variations and Substitutions: Make it Your Own

This loaded baked potato soup crock pot recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:

Protein Boost: Add diced ham, shredded cooked chicken, or even cooked and crumbled Italian sausage for extra protein and flavor.
Broth Swap: Beef broth or homemade bone broth can be used in place of chicken broth for a richer flavor profile.
Veggie Power: Incorporate other vegetables like corn, diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrients and texture.
Milk Alternatives: If you prefer a richer soup, use half-and-half. For a slightly lighter option, 2% milk works well too.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Potato Soup in a Crock Pot

Here’s how to bring this delicious crock pot baked potato soup with bacon to life:

Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and cube the potatoes, cook and crumble the bacon, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Add the potatoes, chicken broth, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash Potatoes (Optional): Once the potatoes are cooked, you can use a potato masher to lightly mash some of them directly in the crock pot. This will create a thicker, chunkier soup. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender.
Make the Roux (Optional, for extra thickness): In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a paste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of the hot broth from the slow cooker until smooth.
Combine and Thicken: Pour the roux (if using) into the slow cooker. Add the milk, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Stir until well combined.
Continue Cooking: Cook on low for another 30-60 minutes, or until the soup is heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Want it Faster? Try the Instant Pot Version!

If you’re short on time, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Check out our guide for [Instant Pot Potato Soup] for a quick and easy weeknight meal in under 30 minutes. (Link to Instant Pot version).

Achieving the Perfect Soup Consistency: Expert Tips

Potato Choice Matters: Russet potatoes are your best bet for a creamy soup due to their high starch content.
Mashing Magic: The degree to which you mash the potatoes directly impacts the soup’s thickness. For a chunkier soup, mash less. For a smoother soup, mash more or use an immersion blender.

Topping Ideas: Elevate Your Baked Potato Soup

The beauty of baked potato soup lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious topping ideas to take your soup to the next level:

Classic: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
Spicy: A dash of hot sauce, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
Fresh Herbs: Chopped chives, parsley, or thyme add a vibrant touch.
Crunchy: Oyster crackers, croutons, or even crushed potato chips provide a satisfying textural contrast.
Extra Cheesy: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Complete Meal

This slow cooker baked potato soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some pairing ideas:

Soup and Salad: A light, crisp salad like a [chopped salad] balances the richness of the soup. (Link to chopped salad recipe)
Bread for Dipping: Crusty bread, [homemade breadsticks], or biscuits are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. (Link to breadsticks recipe)
Sandwich Combo: A classic [club sandwich] or a grilled cheese complements the soup beautifully. (Link to club sandwich recipe)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best potatoes for baked potato soup?

Russet potatoes are the best choice due to their high starch content, which creates a creamy texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I skip the sour cream?

While sour cream adds a distinct tangy creaminess, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or additional milk for a similar effect.

Why is my soup not thickening?

If your soup is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the soup and cook for a few more minutes until thickened. You can also use the optional roux method described in the instructions.

Do I need to cook the potatoes before adding them to the soup?

No, the potatoes will cook directly in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Freezing: Due to the dairy content, this soup does not freeze well. The texture may change upon thawing.

Conclusion

This baked potato soup crock pot recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With its customizable nature and simple instructions, you’ll be enjoying this comforting soup in no time. So, gather your ingredients, plug in your slow cooker, and get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!