Creamy Potato Bacon Soup made in a slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon. You can do this in a skillet on the stove or bake it in the oven. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan, crumble it into small pieces, and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a few crumbles for garnishing the soup later!

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and cooked bacon. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook the soup for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should become tender and easily pierced with a fork when the soup is ready.

Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once the potatoes are cooked through, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes in the slow cooker. This helps thicken the soup and creates a creamier texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender until it’s the consistency you desire. If you like some potato chunks, simply mash lightly.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and butter. Let it all melt into the soup, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is nice and creamy, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon and some extra shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Freshly chopped green onions or parsley can add a nice touch of color and freshness to the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Potato Bacon Soup

1. Choosing the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down well during slow cooking and create a creamy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly smoother, buttery texture.
2. Thickening the Soup: If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can add a bit of flour to the mix. Simply melt the butter in a skillet, whisk in the flour, and cook for about a minute before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help create a velvety consistency.
3. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes along with the thyme.
4. Slow Cooker Tip: Every slow cooker is a bit different, so make sure to check the soup toward the end of the cooking time. If the potatoes are soft and the flavors have melded together, your soup is ready to go!
5. Make Ahead: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy potato bacon soup has everything you could want in a comforting dish: rich, hearty potatoes, smoky bacon, and a silky smooth broth. It’s simple to make but packed with flavor, and the slow cooker ensures that everything melds together perfectly without you having to hover over the stove. Plus, it’s a dish that’s bound to please a crowd, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck.

Whether you enjoy it on a cold winter day, as a comforting meal after a long workday, or as a starter for a larger meal, this creamy potato bacon soup will quickly earn a place in your regular meal rotation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this slow-cooked creamy potato bacon soup is a must-try. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a warm loaf of bread for dipping, and enjoy the cozy comfort of this satisfying soup!