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Kid-Approved Loaded Crockpot Potato Soup: Easy Best Homemade

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This creamy, cheesy loaded potato soup is made in the slow cooker with simple ingredients. It’s a budget-friendly, kid-approved comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2–3 large potatoes)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble it into small pieces.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet with the bacon fat (or 1 tablespoon olive oil), cook the diced onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Layer everything in the crockpot: Add the diced potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  5. Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend about half the soup right in the crockpot, leaving some chunks for texture. Alternatively, carefully ladle about 3 cups of soup into a regular blender, blend until smooth, then stir back into the pot.
  6. Add the milk and finish: Stir in the whole milk. Taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
  7. Serve with toppings: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free cheddar shreds. For a lower-fat option, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded potato soup, crockpot potato soup, slow cooker potato soup, kid-friendly soup, easy potato soup, budget-friendly soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/kid-approved-loaded-crockpot-potato-soup-easy-best-homemade/