There is nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when your slow cooker has done all the work. This Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe delivers all the rich, savory flavors of a classic loaded baked potato in a spoon. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory bacon and fresh chives. Prepare for this to become your new go-to for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, and cozy family dinners. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
This soup is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who loves creating delicious, satisfying meals without the fuss. It’s simple, uses easy-to-find ingredients, and the results are consistently spectacular. Let’s dive into making the best slow cooker potato soup you’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Adore This Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
This isn’t just another potato soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. The slow cooker melds the flavors together over hours, resulting in a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. It’s the perfect one-pot meal that requires minimal effort for a maximum flavor payoff.
- Incredibly Easy: Just chop, dump, and let the crockpot work its magic. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Rich and Creamy: We use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream to achieve an ultra-velvety texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Packed with Flavor: With crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, every spoonful is a flavor explosion.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this soup fits the bill. If you’re looking for another crowd-pleaser, this Slow Cooker French Dip is always a hit.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Bowl
The magic of this soup lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
For the best baked potato flavor and texture, Russet potatoes are the top choice. Their high starch content breaks down beautifully during the long cooking process, creating a thick and fluffy base for the soup. You can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly waxier, buttery texture, but Russets will give you that authentic baked potato feel.
The Creaminess Crew
To get that luxurious, creamy consistency, we’re using a trio of dairy powerhouses. The cream cheese melts into the soup, adding a subtle tang and incredible richness. A splash of heavy cream at the end provides a velvety smooth finish, while sharp cheddar cheese brings the signature cheesy goodness that every loaded potato needs.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Soup in the Crockpot
Making this Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is as simple as it gets. Just follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Finely chop your onion and cook your bacon until crispy. Set the bacon aside and reserve a tablespoon of the grease for extra flavor.
- Load the Crockpot: Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, reserved bacon grease, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are completely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Create the Creamy Base: Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to mash them. Use a potato masher directly in the crockpot to break them down. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender, but be careful not to over-blend. Leave some chunks for that classic baked potato texture.
- Add the Dairy: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. For another cheesy and delicious crockpot meal, try this Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite loaded baked potato toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
Top Tips for the Best-Ever Slow Cooker Potato Soup
Want to take your soup from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Skimp on the Fat: Using whole dairy products like full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream is essential for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
- Mash, Don’t Puree: For that authentic “baked potato” texture, avoid blending the soup until it’s completely smooth. Leaving some potato chunks adds a wonderful, rustic texture.
- Season Generously: Potatoes soak up a lot of salt. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking to ensure the flavors pop.
Favorite Topping Ideas
The best part of a loaded baked potato is, of course, the toppings! Set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own bowl.
- Crispy Bacon Crumbles
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Sliced Green Onions or Fresh Chives
- Steamed Broccoli Florets
- A dash of Hot Sauce
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, which can cause the dairy to separate. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. While freezing is possible, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can freeze this soup, be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes separate and become grainy upon reheating. For best results, let the soup cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.
Yes, an immersion blender works great for creating a creamier soup. However, for the best ‘loaded baked potato’ texture, we recommend blending only half of the soup or pulsing it just a few times, leaving some nice chunks of potato throughout.
If your soup isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can create a slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the simmering soup and let it cook for a few more minutes until thickened. Mashing the potatoes more will also naturally thicken the soup.
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to mimic the smokiness of the bacon.
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe. Their high starch content breaks down during cooking, resulting in a naturally thick and creamy soup with an authentic ‘baked potato’ flavor and texture.
More Cozy Crockpot Meals You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this simple and delicious Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, you might also love exploring other easy slow cooker recipes. For a different take on potato soup, give this spicy Cajun Potato Soup a try. And for another cheesy, comforting option, this Crockpot Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup is always a winner.
The Easiest Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, reserved bacon grease, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are very tender.
- Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender, but leave some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it has completely melted. Then, add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
- Stir in half of the crumbled bacon.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon, extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Notes
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and bacon grease, and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
We hope you love this Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup recipe as much as we do! It’s a true comfort food classic that brings warmth and smiles to the dinner table. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
