Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup
Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This soul-warming Fall Time Soup Recipe is loaded with tender potatoes, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of Seasons And Suppers Recipe that fills your home with the most irresistible aroma while doing all the work for you. Whether you’re craving Things To Eat With Potatoes, or a hearty Cheesy Sausage Soup, this recipe checks every comfort food box.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 18 | Yield: 18 servings
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ white onion, chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups water
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chicken soup base
- 1 cup warm water
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, crumbled
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups water, then add carrots, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat through, then stir in milk.
2. Add Chicken Base:
Dissolve the chicken soup base in 1 cup of warm water, then pour it into the vegetable mixture. Stir until well blended.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Place peeled, cubed potatoes into your slow cooker. Pour the warm vegetable mixture over the potatoes, then add the bay leaf.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover and cook on High for 5 hours or Low for 8 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and flavors have melded beautifully.
5. Blend and Finish:
Remove the bay leaf. Scoop out about 4 cups of soup and puree it in a blender or food processor, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon until melted and creamy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped chives for the perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips
- For Extra Creaminess: Substitute half a cup of the milk with heavy cream or evaporated milk.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground sausage or shredded chicken for a heartier twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the veggie base the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 169 | 5g | 27g | 5g | 3g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on your ingredients and portion sizes. Always consult a nutritionist for exact dietary details.
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FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth or soup base instead of chicken, and skip the bacon. The flavors remain rich and satisfying.
Can I freeze slow cooker potato soup?
Yes this soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on low heat, stirring often.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Definitely. Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work great just add an extra 30 minutes to your slow cooker time.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup is the definition of comfort food made easy creamy, hearty, and full of rich, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly night or cooking for a crowd, this soup fits right into your Best Soup Ideas collection. With its effortless prep and slow-cooked perfection, it’s bound to become a new family favorite.
