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Creamy Slow Cooker Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe with Crispy Bacon Bits

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A rich and comforting cheesy potato soup made in a slow cooker, featuring tender potatoes, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon bits for a perfect cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 8 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, extra bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain and crumble once cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Add chopped onion to the bacon grease and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Place peeled and diced potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the sautéed onion and garlic, then add the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. In the same skillet used for bacon, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  6. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half, cooking until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  7. Pour the thickened milk mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon bits, reserving the rest for garnish. Let the soup warm through for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, mash a few potato cubes against the side of the slow cooker and stir back in. Add cheese gradually off the heat or on low to prevent graininess. Use low sodium broth to control saltiness. If soup is too thick, add broth or milk; if too thin, cook uncovered to reduce. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently with splash of milk or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy potato soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, bacon bits, creamy soup, easy dinner, cheesy soup, potato soup recipe

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-slow-cooker-cheesy-potato-soup-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-bits-for-easy-comfort-food/