As the leaves turn golden and the air fills with the warm scent of cinnamon and spice, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a hearty bowl of Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup. This creamy delight doesn’t just warm the body; it cradles the spirit, transporting you to a place of comforting nostalgia. Picture this: on a chilly evening, your house is filled with the rich aromas of simmering potatoes and sizzling bacon, the gentle bubbling of the crock pot luring everyone to the kitchen like bees to honey.
It’s the ultimate one-pot meal that combines simplicity with indulgence, making it perfect for family gatherings, cozy dinners with friends, or a relaxed weeknight meal while curling up with your favorite book. Everyone— from the picky eaters to the adventurous foodies—will fall in love with this creamy, cheesy goodness. So grab your apron and prepare to embark on a deliciously warm culinary adventure.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the comforting process of creating this loaded potato masterpiece, let’s gather our essentials. With just a few straightforward ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a bowl of bliss.
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Green onions for garnish
Tools
To make your cooking experience seamless, you’ll want to have the following tools on hand:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Slow cooker
- Ladle for serving
How to Make It
Creating your own Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup is as easy as it is rewarding. Let’s break it down into a delightful journey of preparation, where every step fills your kitchen with warmth and rich, inviting aromas.
Prep the Base
Begin by gathering your diced potatoes and chopped onion, and place them lovingly into your slow cooker. The moment those fluffy potato cubes hit the pot, they invite you to indulge in their starchy embrace. As you pour the vibrant chicken broth over the top, listen closely to the gentle splash—like a comforting hug of warmth enveloping your ingredients. The broth brings a golden hue to the dish, promising richness and depth, while the potatoes eagerly await their time to shine in the warmth of the crock pot.
Build the Flavor
Turn your slow cooker to low, allowing it to work its magic for the next 7 to 8 hours. As time passes, the kitchen begins to fill with a fragrant aroma that tickles your senses—notes of savory chicken mingling with the earthy essence of potatoes. When the comforting wait is over, the potatoes will be perfectly tender. Trust your instincts; you’ll know when they’re ready when a simple poke with a fork can break them apart effortlessly.
Mash for Texture
Once the simmering is complete, it’s time to add a personal touch. With a potato masher in hand, gently mash the cooked potatoes within the slow cooker. This step is a delightful mix of textures—some potatoes will yield a creamy foundation while others remain chunky and rustic, creating a harmony that’s visually appealing and comforting. The aroma at this stage is intoxicating, as the nutrient-rich broth melds with the potatoes, creating an inviting base for the indulgence to follow.
Stir in the Goodness
Now, let’s elevate this soup to a true indulgence. Turn your attention to the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream—heavenly ingredients that will transform your soup into a creamy dream. Stir them into your potato mixture with enthusiasm, allowing the cheese to melt slowly and embrace every potato piece with its lusciousness. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference, as you breathe in the oozing flavors wafting from the pot. The soup will begin to thicken ever so slightly, embodying that irresistible, creamy consistency.
Serve & Garnish
For the final touch, let your soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes on low, ensuring that each spoonful is luxuriously creamy. When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into warm bowls, topping each hearty portion with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of vibrant green onions. The contrast of colors will make your soup a feast for the eyes, and the aroma is sure to cause anyone near you to perk up with excitement.
Creative Twists
While this Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup is delicious as is, why not add a little personal flair? Here are a few creative twists that can elevate your experience:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while the soup cooks for an extra aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who appreciate a bit of heat.
- Autumnal Flavor: Stir in roasted butternut squash or pumpkin for a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some spinach or kale towards the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Cheesy Variants: Experiment with different types of cheese such as gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
Final Inspiration
As you dip your spoon into the rich, creamy depths of your Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup, you’ll feel the warmth not only in your hands but emanating from within, filling you with comfort and joy. This recipe invites you to savor each bite, reminding you that good food has the power to bring people together, sparking laughter and conversation around the table.
So, embrace the comforting allure of this soup, share it with loved ones, and let it become a cherished dish in your household—one that evokes memories and creates new traditions. Enjoy the cozy warmth it brings, and let each bowlful remind you that the heart of home is often found in a delicious bowl of soup.
Crock Pot Loaded Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather diced potatoes and chopped onion, and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Turn slow cooker to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours until potatoes are tender.
Mashing
- Once cooking is complete, use a potato masher to mash the cooked potatoes to desired texture.
Final Mixing
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until cheese melts.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 30 minutes on low.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon and green onions.