Creamy Potato Bacon Soup Made in a Slow Cooker: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
Introduction: Why This Soup?
There’s something about a creamy potato soup that just wraps you up in comfort, especially on chilly days or when you need a nourishing, easy meal. Add smoky, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and slow cooker magic, and you have a dish that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly convenient.
Slow cooker soups have become a staple in many kitchens because of their simplicity. You just dump in your ingredients, set it, and forget it — while your house fills with the most inviting aromas.
This recipe is about making a rich, velvety, creamy potato bacon soup that’s full of layers of flavor, made effortless with a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping, this soup delivers every time.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Bacon slices 8–10 slices Crisp topping and smoky flavor
Russet potatoes 5 large (~3 lbs) Soup base, creamy texture
Yellow onion 1 medium Base flavor
Garlic cloves 3 cloves Aromatic depth
Carrots 2 medium Sweetness and texture
Celery stalks 2 stalks Flavor balance
Chicken broth 6 cups Liquid base, savory flavor
Heavy cream 1 cup Creaminess and richness
Whole milk 1 cup Creaminess, lightens soup
Cornstarch 2 tbsp Thickening agent
Salt 1 ½ tsp Flavor enhancer
Black pepper 1 tsp Spice balance
Fresh thyme 1 tsp (or 1/2 tsp dried) Herbaceous flavor
Cheddar cheese (optional) 1 cup shredded Garnish and richness
Green onions (optional) 2 stalks chopped Fresh garnish
Sour cream (optional) For serving Tangy topping
Equipment Needed
Slow cooker (minimum 4-6 quart capacity)
Large skillet or frying pan
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle
Mixing bowl (for thickening mixture)
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
1.1 Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon to perfection. Crisp bacon is the soul of this soup. Place your bacon slices in a large cold skillet or frying pan without overlapping. Turn the heat to medium and let the bacon slowly render its fat, flipping occasionally. You want a nice crispy texture but not burnt.
Once cooked, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. After it cools, chop into bite-sized pieces. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet — this will add flavor in the next step.
1.2 Vegetables
Peel and dice the potatoes into roughly ½ inch cubes — aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
Wash and dice the carrots and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. These add sweetness and balance the rich flavors.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
Using the bacon fat left in the skillet, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
This step builds a deep, savory base for your soup that the slow cooker alone can’t replicate.
Step 3: Loading the Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed veggies into the slow cooker. Add the diced potatoes on top.
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth if you want better control of saltiness.
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and thyme.
Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Slow cooking helps all the flavors meld beautifully, and the potatoes soften perfectly, creating the base of your creamy soup.
Step 5: Thickening the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ½ cup of whole milk until smooth and no lumps remain.
Slowly pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well.
Add the remaining ½ cup whole milk and the 1 cup heavy cream.
Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cornstarch will thicken the soup, and the cream will make it luscious and smooth.
Step 6: Final Taste and Adjustments
Taste your soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt or pepper if you prefer a stronger flavor.
If the soup is too thick for your liking, thin it with a splash more broth or milk.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with:
Crispy chopped bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped green onions
A dollop of sour cream (if desired)
The combination of creamy soup, salty bacon, melty cheese, and fresh green onions is heavenly.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
Potato choice matters!
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down slightly, making the soup creamy without becoming gluey.
Make it vegetarian
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the bacon or use a smoky vegetarian bacon substitute.
Add texture
If you like some potato chunks in your soup, you can mash half of the potatoes before adding the cornstarch mixture.
Meal prep friendly
This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 350–400
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Variations to Try
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Add cooked and crumbled sausage, extra cheese, and steamed broccoli.
Spicy Kick
Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon cayenne for some heat.
Herb Infusion
Add rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbaceous note.
Step-by-Step Recap
Cook bacon until crispy; set aside, keep fat.
Chop vegetables (potatoes, onion, garlic, carrot, celery).
Sauté onions, carrots, celery in bacon fat until soft; add garlic last.
Add sautéed veggies, potatoes, broth, and seasonings to slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Mix cornstarch with milk, add to soup with cream and remaining milk.
Cook uncovered for 15-30 minutes to thicken.
Season to taste, serve with bacon, cheese, green onions, sour cream.
The Story Behind This Soup
This recipe is a labor of love passed down through generations of home cooks who cherish simple ingredients and slow-cooked meals that warm the heart and home. It embodies the cozy kitchen traditions where every ingredient has a purpose and every bite brings comfort.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Potato Bacon Soup made in a slow cooker is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, creamy, smoky, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend, a weeknight family dinner, or meal prepping for busy days.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the toppings and add-ins to suit your taste. The beauty of a slow cooker soup is its flexibility and ease.
Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share this soul-soothing soup with those you love.
If you want, I can also provide printable recipe cards, ingredient shopping lists, or suggested wine pairings for this soup! Would you like that?
احصل
0 comments:
Post a Comment