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Cozy Loaded Crockpot Potato Soup for Friendsgiving

cozy loaded crockpot potato soup - featured image
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This creamy, comforting potato soup is made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for Friendsgiving gatherings. It’s loaded with classic toppings like bacon, cheddar, and green onions, and lets you enjoy your own party without hovering over the stove.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4–5 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the diced onion in the reserved bacon fat over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Place the diced potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the potatoes are just barely covered. Add 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Add the cubed cream cheese and milk. Stir gently until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Using a potato masher, gently mash some of the potatoes in the crockpot to thicken the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
  7. Stir in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Reserve the remaining ½ cup for topping. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream (if using), and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents. Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling. The soup thickens as it sits; thin with milk or broth if needed. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon, use vegetable broth, and add smoked paprika and liquid smoke for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot potato soup, loaded potato soup, Friendsgiving soup, slow cooker soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/cozy-loaded-crockpot-potato-soup-for-friendsgiving/