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Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a hearty, comforting winter soup loaded with tender potato cubes, smoky bacon, and a velvety cream swirl. Hands-off slow cooker soup recipe perfect for easy dinners and crowd-pleasing comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bacon chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup half-and-half substitute heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes shredded sharp cheddar, sliced green onions, extra bacon bits

Instructions
 

  • Place chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes; transfer bacon to the slow cooker and reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings.
  • Add diced onion to the reserved drippings in the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add potatoes, chicken broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir gently.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
  • Whisk cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup about 30 minutes before serving for a rich texture.
  • Stir in the half-and-half and cook on HIGH for 15 more minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and become velvety-smooth.
  • Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a silky consistency, or skip this step to keep more potato chunks.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions, then enjoy piping hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke; leftovers freeze well in 2-cup portions for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword Bacon Soup, Comfort Food, Creamy Potato Soup, Easy Dinner, Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Winter Recipe
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