Instructions for Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup:
Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Aromatics
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic into your slow cooker.
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture.
Step 4: Add Creaminess
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips for Delicious Results:
- For extra flavor, you can use bacon with a smoky profile.
- Customize the soup by adding diced carrots or celery along with the potatoes for added texture and flavor.
- To make the soup thicker, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before adding the cream and cheese.
- Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful