Bacon Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Let’s be honest: nothing says comfort quite like a rich, creamy bowl of bacon potato soup, especially when you can throw everything into a crock pot and let it work its magic. The slow cooking process melds the flavors together in a way that makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. And if you love bacon-well, this recipe is for you. With crispy, salty bacon adding depth and flavor to the creamy potato base, every bite becomes an indulgent treat.

Crock pots (or slow cookers, if you prefer) are essentially magical kitchen appliances that allow you to prepare meals without constant attention. Set it and forget it, right? The beauty of using a crock pot for this bacon potato soup is that it takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. By the time the soup is ready, the potatoes are tender, the bacon is crispy, and the broth is infused with all the smoky goodness. Plus, the leftovers are even better, making it the kind of dish that’s perfect for meal prepping or hosting family dinners.

Bacon Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe

This crock pot bacon potato soup is the epitome of easy comfort food. It’s hearty, filling, and has just the right balance of savory flavors. Perfect for busy days when you need something warm and satisfying without a ton of prep work.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• Bacon: About 8 slices. The crispy bacon adds an essential smokiness to the soup that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Potatoes: 4-5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced. Russet potatoes break down nicely and create a creamy base for the soup.
• Yellow onion: 1 medium-sized, finely diced. Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. Garlic is a must for that aromatic, savory boost.
• Chicken broth: 4 cups. Use low-sodium for better control over the saltiness of the soup.
• Heavy cream: 1 cup. This adds a velvety texture and richness that gives the soup its indulgent, creamy consistency.
• Cream cheese: 4 oz. This is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese: 1-2 cups, shredded. You’ll stir this in to melt, but also sprinkle some on top when serving for extra cheesy goodness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. These simple seasonings are essential in bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Chives or green onions: For garnish. The fresh herbs add a nice touch of color and a burst of freshness to balance the richness.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps that will bring this hearty soup to life.

1. Prep The Bacon

   • Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
   • Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
   • After cooling slightly, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare The Crock Pot

   • Add the diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and cooked bacon into your crock pot.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.
   • Set your crock pot to low and let it cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender and easily mashable by the end of the cooking time.

3. Finishing Touches

   • Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes in the soup. This step creates a thicker, creamier texture without having to add flour or cornstarch.
   • Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

4. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or green onions and extra cheddar cheese if you like it extra cheesy.
   • For a crispy texture contrast, serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down why these ingredients work so perfectly together:

• Bacon: The star ingredient here. Not only does it add an irresistible smoky flavor, but it also contributes a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. The rendered bacon fat also enhances the overall richness of the soup.
• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are starchy and absorb flavors well, which is why they are perfect for soups. They’ll soften and break down during slow cooking, making the broth thick and comforting. Plus, they’re the backbone of this soup-without them, it wouldn’t be the same.
• Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These two ingredients together create an ultra-creamy texture. The cream adds smoothness, while the cream cheese adds richness and a subtle tanginess, making every spoonful decadent.
• Cheddar Cheese: This classic cheese melts perfectly into the soup, adding flavor and even more creaminess. The sharpness of cheddar is the ideal complement to the salty bacon and rich broth.
• Chicken Broth: It’s the perfect base for this soup. It’s lighter than using a cream base, but it still gives that savory depth to the soup. You can substitute with vegetable broth or even make your own homemade broth for a more intense flavor.

Expert Tips

• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a less creamy soup, you can cut back on the heavy cream or cream cheese. However, do keep in mind that this will slightly change the texture of the soup, so you may want to add a little extra chicken broth for balance.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re adding any sides like bread, just make sure it’s gluten-free to keep the whole meal safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Don’t Overcook the Bacon: You want crispy bacon bits, not burnt crumbs. Bacon can go from crispy to charred in seconds, so be sure to monitor it closely while cooking.
• Customize Your Garnishes: While chives and extra cheddar are perfect, you can also add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for some added flair.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this bacon potato soup your own! Here are a few ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing:

• Add Veggies: Throw in some carrots, celery, or leeks for added flavor and nutrition. These will complement the potatoes while adding a bit more texture.
• Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan. Each one will add its own unique flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to give your soup a subtle kick. If you want it more spicy, consider adding diced jalapeños.
• Swap Bacon for Sausage: For a twist, try using crumbled sausage in place of bacon. Italian sausage or breakfast sausage would both work wonderfully, adding a bit of spice and flavor depth.
• Vegan Option: Replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or vegan sausage, swap the cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.

Final Words

This crock pot bacon potato soup is a game-changer when it comes to easy, hearty meals. The combination of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth makes for an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a cozy meal, or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Plus, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you don’t have to hover over the stove-just let it simmer to perfection.