There’s nothing like coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty, slow-cooked soup. This take on Slow Cooker Potato Soup is all about creamy satisfaction, smoky bacon, and savory cheddar. Warm and filling, it’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need a cozy meal without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half or milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional toppings: extra bacon bits, green onions, extra cheese
Instructions
Start by layering the diced potatoes, onion, and minced garlic in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the top, then sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender. At this point, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes right in the slow cooker—this helps create a thick texture while keeping a few potato chunks for body.
Stir in the cooked and chopped bacon, saving a little extra for garnish if you’d like. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, half-and-half, and butter. Stir everything well, letting the cheese melt into a silky sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste before replacing the lid and cooking for another 15 minutes on low just to bring the soup together.
This soup is the perfect marriage of melt-in-your-mouth potatoes and rich, comforting flavors—ideal for anyone craving a filling meal that practically cooks itself. It can also be easily adapted if you want a lighter version (try swapping out the half-and-half for evaporated milk or using turkey bacon). Finish with a sprinkle of green onions or more cheese on top for a garnish that’s both beautiful and tasty. Whether you’re serving a crowd or stocking up on leftovers for the week, this Creamy Bacon & Cheddar Slow Cooker Potato Soup will bring warmth and satisfaction to the table, bowl after bowl.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
