Introduction

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon is the quintessential comfort food—a rich, creamy, and hearty soup that warms you from the inside out. Imagine tender chunks of perfectly cooked potatoes swimming in a velvety, cheesy broth, accented by the smoky, savory crunch of crispy bacon. This dish is indulgent without being complicated, making it ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekend dinners, or even for entertaining guests.

What makes this recipe so special is how the slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld beautifully over time. The potatoes become soft yet retain their structure, soaking up the creamy, cheesy broth, while the bacon infuses each bite with a deep, smoky richness. The onions and garlic add layers of subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile. By the time it’s ready, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma that signals pure comfort in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that makes both cooking and eating completely satisfying. There’s something so cozy about a warm bowl of creamy potato soup, where each bite melts in your mouth and delivers a perfect balance of flavors. The potatoes are tender and hearty, the cheese adds a luscious creaminess, and the smoky, crispy bacon brings in that irresistible crunch and depth.

What makes it truly special is how effortless it is to make. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the ingredients to blend and develop rich, comforting flavors while I go about my day. It’s a hands-off recipe that still feels indulgent and gourmet. I also love how versatile it is—you can adjust the cheese, swap out the bacon for a vegetarian version, or add extra vegetables to suit your mood or dietary needs.

This is a Must Try Dish

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon is a must-try dish because it perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food while being incredibly easy to make. The combination of tender, flavorful potatoes, rich and creamy cheese, and smoky, crispy bacon creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that is both indulgent and satisfying. Every spoonful delivers a comforting warmth that makes it ideal for chilly days, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings.

What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its versatility and simplicity. You don’t need hours of preparation or complicated techniques to create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end kitchen. The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together naturally, developing deep, comforting flavors while you go about your day. It’s also highly customizable—you can adjust the cheese, add extra vegetables, or tweak the spices to suit your personal taste.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2-3 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Soup
• Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 6-7 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)

For Garnish:

• Additional shredded cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions or chives
• Sour cream (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Peel and dice potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
3. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble in Crockpot

1. Place diced potatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
3. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Soup Creamy

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth.
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

1. Slowly stir the cheese mixture into the crockpot with potatoes.
2. Add half of the crumbled bacon.
3. Stir well and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low to heat through.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Peel and dice potatoes.
2. Dice onion and mince garlic.
3. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble.
4. Place potatoes, onion, and garlic in crockpot.
5. Add chicken broth and seasonings.
6. Cover and cook on low or high until potatoes are tender.
7. Make a creamy cheese mixture with butter, flour, heavy cream, and cheddar.
8. Stir cheese mixture into crockpot.
9. Add half of the crumbled bacon and mix well.
10. Cook 15-20 minutes more.
11. Serve hot with additional cheese, bacon, green onions, and sour cream.

How to Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions.
• Serve with warm crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for dipping.
• Optionally, top with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

Recipe Tips

• Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture.
• For a smoother soup, mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or use an immersion blender.
• Adjust the cheese type for different flavors (Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend works well).
• Cook bacon ahead of time for less hands-on time.
• Avoid cooking cheese directly in the crockpot for too long, as it may separate.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and omit bacon, adding smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for added texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
• Loaded Potato Soup: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
• Tips: Add bacon and cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Cutting board and knife
• Saucepan for cheese roux
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen potatoes?

• Yes, but cooking time may need to be increased slightly.

Q2: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

• Yes! Simmer diced potatoes in broth until tender, then add cheese mixture and bacon as described.

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Absolutely. Prepare all ingredients in the crockpot, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.

Q4: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

• Yes, but the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy.

Q5: How do I make the soup thicker?

• Mash some of the cooked potatoes in the crockpot or add an extra tablespoon of flour to the cheese mixture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying. With tender potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon, this soup is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy, allowing flavors to meld perfectly while you go about your day. With versatile variations and easy freezing options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy soups with minimal effort.