Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is a warm, hearty dish perfect for chilly days. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a favorite for families and friends. As a bonus, it cooks in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime. This means you can easily have a delicious homemade soup with little effort.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup. First, it has simple ingredients that you might already have at home. The potatoes add heartiness, while the cheese and bacon bring richness and flavor that everyone loves. This soup is also very satisfying, making it perfect for dinner on a cold evening.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you. You can go about your day, and when you return, a wonderful meal is waiting for you. It is also great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch the next day. Every spoonful is creamy and delicious. You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Making Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is easy. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare this soup, you will need the following equipment:

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A large saucepan
• A whisk
• A potato masher or an immersion blender (optional)

Ingredients You’ll Need :

• 3 to 3 1/2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 9 oz bacon, cooked and diced
• 4 green onions, diced

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

1. In a slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, diced onion, chicken broth, and evaporated milk. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cover the slow cooker and set it to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Cook until the potatoes are soft.
3. Once the potatoes are tender, ladle out 2 cups of the liquid from the slow cooker into a measuring cup.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it is smooth.
5. Slowly add the reserved liquid from the slow cooker to the butter mixture. Stir until it thickens.
6. Return the thickened mixture to the slow cooker and stir well.
7. For a chunkier texture, you can mash the potatoes with a potato masher. For a smooth soup, use an immersion blender.
8. Cook on HIGH for an additional 10 minutes.
9. When done, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
10. Serve your soup hot, topped with cheddar cheese, diced bacon, and green onions.

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HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup warm in bowls. You can add toppings like extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, and freshly chopped green onions. Alongside the soup, you might consider offering some crusty bread or salad to complete the meal. This way, everyone can enjoy their soup just the way they like it!

STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

If you have leftovers of Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup, you can store them easily. Let the soup cool down a bit before putting it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze the soup, you can do so as well. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat it up on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup is comforting on its own, but you might enjoy pairing it with other dishes also! Here are some ideas:

• Serve with a refreshing side salad to add crunch.
• Crusty sourdough bread goes great for dipping.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches offer a classic combo with a twist.
• For a light option, serve alongside steamed vegetables.

Feel free to get creative with your sides!

VARIATIONS

You can easily tweak Loaded Potato Soup to match your taste. Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Vegetables: Peas, corn, or broccoli can add nutrition and flavor.
• Increase Spice: Add some cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try using provolone or pepper jack cheese for a change.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and leave out the bacon.
• Swap Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a different flavor.

FAQs

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1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

   • Yes! While russet potatoes are preferred for their creaminess, you can use Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes as well.

2. Is evaporated milk necessary?

   • Evaporated milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute it with heavy cream or regular milk if you choose.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

   • Yes! You can make the soup a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

4. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

   • You can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps in a large pot, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

If you want to prepare Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup ahead, you can do so with a few simple tips:

• Prep Ingredients: Dice the potatoes and onions in advance. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers.
• Mix Broth: Measure out the chicken broth and evaporated milk ahead of time, so everything is ready when you start cooking.
• Cooking Schedule: If you want, you can set your slow cooker to start cooking at a specific time using a timer.

By planning ahead, you can enjoy this tasty soup with less stress. Armed with these tips, you can easily serve a delicious dinner that warms the heart!

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