Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it’s crispy and browned, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes nice and crisp.

• Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat behind. Set the bacon aside on a plate or paper towels to drain.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)

In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté it over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• While this step is optional, it helps enhance the flavor of the onions and garlic before they cook in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic (if using) into your slow cooker. Add the following ingredients:

• Diced potatoes

• Diced carrots

• Chopped celery

• Cooked bacon (set aside from earlier)

• Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

• Stir everything together to combine the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Chowder

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to cook the vegetables until they are tender, particularly the potatoes, which should be easily pierced with a fork.

• Pro Tip: If you have time, cooking the chowder on low heat helps the flavors meld together better and results in a richer, more developed taste.

Step 5: Add the Dairy and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to add the creamy elements and seasonings to bring the chowder together.

• Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, which will create the creamy texture of the chowder.

• Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly.

• Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper to suit your taste.

Step 6: Thicken the Chowder (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can thicken the soup with a flour slurry. Here’s how:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of flour and a small amount of cold water (about 1/4 cup) until smooth.
2. Stir the slurry into the chowder, and let it cook on high heat for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken up.

• If you want to keep things a little lighter, you can skip this step, as the chowder will naturally thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Add the Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

If you love cheesy chowder, now’s the time to add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in the cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture throughout.

• You can also reserve a bit of shredded cheese for sprinkling on top of each bowl when serving.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Once the chowder is thick, creamy, and flavorful, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

• For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top, or even some crispy bacon bits for a bit of crunch.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder

1. Use the right potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for chowder as they become tender and creamy when cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which may not break down as well in the soup.

2. Make it ahead: This chowder is great for meal prep! Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just reheat on the stove and add a little extra cream or broth if it thickens too much after freezing.

3. Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can replace the bacon with smoked paprika or a vegetarian sausage for a smoky, savory flavor.

4. Add more veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the chowder, such as leeks, corn, or peas. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add more nutrition to the dish.

5. Spicy twist: If you like a little heat, add a jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chowder for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory vegetables into a rich, flavorful soup. Thanks to the slow cooker, this dish is easy to prepare and allows the flavors to meld together for hours, resulting in a cozy and satisfying meal. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this chowder is sure to become a go-to favorite.

The best part? It’s customizable! Add extra veggies, adjust the seasoning, or make it extra cheesy—the possibilities are endless. Serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.