Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

This slow cooker potato soup has the same ingredients as loaded baked potatoes--russet potatoes, bacon, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallions--but is delivered in soup form!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 647 Calories

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 (32 ounce) carton low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 (16 ounce) package thick cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, or to taste
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons ground black pepper

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine potatoes, chicken stock, onion, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cook on High until potatoes are tender, about 4 hours.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels and wipe out most of the grease from the skillet.

Step 3

Puree potatoes in the slow cooker with an immersion blender until smooth. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and 1/2 of the cooked bacon, set temperature to Low, and cook for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 4

Melt butter in the skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add heavy cream and sour cream and whisk until thickened. Pour into the slow cooker and cook on Low for 1 more hour.

Step 5

Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon, remaining Cheddar, sour cream, and scallions.