Hearty Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
Indulge in the comforting richness of Hearty Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup. This classic one-dish meal combines tender baked potatoes with creamy broth and savory toppings, all designed to warm your soul. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or a filling weeknight dinner, this soup offers the hearty flavors of bacon, cheddar, and a hint of green onion, all easily prepared in a slow cooker for an effortless culinary experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
4 (large, washed, pricked, baked and cubed)
butter
2/3 cup (melted (or margarine))
flour
2/3 cup (whisked into butter)
milk
6 cups (gradually added to roux)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
green onions
4 (chopped)
bacon
12 slices (cooked and crumbled)
cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (shredded)
light sour cream
8 ounces (stirred in before serving)
chicken bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoons (added to soup)
additional cooked bacon
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the potatoes and prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3
Wrap each potato in foil and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
4
Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
5
Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into cubes, leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor.
6
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously until a smooth paste forms.
7
Continue to cook the roux for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
8
Gradually whisk in the milk to create a creamy base, cooking over medium heat until the mixture is steaming and begins to bubble slightly.
9
Transfer the milk mixture to the crock pot and gently stir in the potato cubes.
10
Add salt, pepper, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chicken bouillon granules. Stir until everything is well combined.
11
Cover and cook on High for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soften further.
12
Approximately 10 minutes before serving, stir in the light sour cream to add richness and smoothness to the soup.
13
If the consistency is too thick for your liking, adjust by adding small amounts of milk until the desired thickness is achieved.
14
Serve hot, garnished with additional sour cream, crumbled bacon, and extra green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines baked potatoes, a creamy milk-based broth, bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions, prepared largely in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 large baking potatoes, such as Russets, which hold up well when baked and cubed.
How long do I need to bake the potatoes before putting them in the slow cooker?
Bake the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
Why do I need to prick the potatoes with a fork?
Pricking the potatoes allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing them from bursting.
Should I peel the potatoes after baking?
The recipe recommends leaving the skins on when cubing the potatoes to add extra texture and flavor to the soup.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 2/3 cup of either butter or margarine to create the roux base.
How do I make the creamy base for the soup?
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a paste, cook for one minute, and then gradually whisk in 6 cups of milk until steaming.
Why do I cook the flour and butter mixture for a minute before adding milk?
Cooking the roux for about a minute helps eliminate the raw flour taste before the liquids are added.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
The recipe specifies cooking the soup on the High setting for 4 hours.
When do I add the sour cream to the soup?
Stir in the light sour cream approximately 10 minutes before you are ready to serve the soup.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If the consistency is too thick, you can adjust it by stirring in small amounts of additional milk until you reach your desired thickness.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1 1/4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor profile.
How much bacon do I need for this recipe?
You will need 12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled, to stir into the soup, plus extra for garnish if desired.
What is the purpose of chicken bouillon granules in this soup?
The chicken bouillon granules provide a savory depth and enhance the overall salt and flavor profile of the potato base.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Serve the soup hot with additional sour cream, crumbled bacon, and extra chopped green onions on top.
Is this soup considered a main dish?
Yes, it is described as a hearty one-dish meal that is filling enough for a family weeknight dinner.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
While the recipe calls for 6 cups of milk, you could substitute some of it with heavy cream for an even richer, thicker result.
How many green onions do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 green onions, chopped, to be stirred into the soup.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
While freshly cooked and crumbled bacon is recommended for the best flavor, high-quality pre-cooked bacon bits can be used as a shortcut.
How should I prepare the potatoes for the slow cooker?
After baking and cooling slightly, the potatoes should be cut into small cubes before being added to the crock pot.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, though the soup will be slightly less creamy than if you used whole milk.
Does this recipe contain any tags for dietary preferences?
The recipe is tagged as comfort food, slow cooker, and one-dish meal; it is not specifically tagged for specialized diets like gluten-free or vegan.
Is the sour cream added at the beginning of the slow cooking process?
No, it is added at the very end (10 minutes before serving) to ensure it doesn't curdle and maintains its creamy texture.
Can I prepare this on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
While designed for a slow cooker, you could simmer the combined ingredients in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 30-60 minutes after making the roux base.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of flour to thicken the soup base.
Is it necessary to wrap the potatoes in foil?
Wrapping them in foil helps keep the skin soft and ensures the potato bakes evenly throughout.
What is the total cook time in the slow cooker?
The total cook time on High in the slow cooker is 4 hours.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, you can always garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese to suit your preference.