Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

$To make this cozy soup, gather the following items: - 6 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnishing) - 1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (or plant-based bacon) - 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients for a lighter or different flavor. Use these ideas: - Instead of heavy cream, try coconut milk for a dairy-free soup. - Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. - Use veggie bacon for a vegetarian or vegan option. - For more flavor, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. This soup serves 6-8 people. Each serving has: - Calories: About 400 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 4g - Sodium: 800mg (may vary based on broth used) This comforting soup is rich in flavors and nutrition. It's perfect for chilly days. Enjoy every creamy spoonful! Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into small cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Next, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Add all these ingredients to your slow cooker. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir gently. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. You want the potatoes to be tender. Check with a fork; it should go in easily. Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash some potatoes. This thickens your soup while leaving some chunks. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Let the soup heat for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts. Before serving, swirl in sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and fresh chives. Enjoy your warm and creamy soup! To get a smooth and creamy soup, use a potato masher. After cooking, mash some potatoes in the slow cooker. This adds thickness while keeping some chunks. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. For a thicker soup, mash more potatoes. Always taste and adjust until it feels just right. You can boost the flavor with spices. Try adding paprika or smoked paprika for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also add depth. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic for a stronger taste. For a zesty kick, squeeze in some lemon juice just before serving. This will brighten the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the potatoes. If they cook too long, they can turn mushy. Also, don’t forget to season! Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as you cook. Lastly, when adding cheese, do it slowly. This helps it melt evenly without clumping. Following these tips will lead to a perfect loaded potato soup. {{image_4}} You can easily make this soup vegetarian or vegan. Instead of turkey bacon, use plant-based bacon. For creaminess, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. This gives the soup a rich taste without dairy. Use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free. You still get a thick, hearty soup that everyone will enjoy. Cheese makes everything better, right? Add different types of cheese for fun flavors. Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Top each bowl with more cheese before serving. This will melt and create a gooey, delicious layer. Change up the ingredients based on what's fresh. In fall, add roasted butternut squash for sweetness. In spring, toss in fresh peas for a pop of color and taste. You can also mix in some diced carrots or celery for crunch. These swaps keep the soup exciting and help you enjoy seasonal produce. To store your loaded potato soup, let it cool first. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, reheat it on the stove. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water. You can also use the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until it's hot. If you want to save the soup for longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy your comforting soup whenever you want! Yes, you can make this soup gluten-free. Use gluten-free vegetable broth instead of regular broth. Ensure that any toppings, like bacon and cheese, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy goodness without the gluten. You can keep this soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This soup tastes even better after the flavors blend overnight! Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use a spicy cheese or add jalapeños for a kick. Just remember to taste as you go! You now have all you need to make a great soup. We covered the main ingredients and some healthy swaps. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for the best texture and flavor. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers. With these insights, you can create a tasty soup that suits your needs. Remember to experiment with ingredients and find what you love. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Warm up with this creamy slow cooker loaded potato soup that's perfect for chilly nights! Made with tender russet potatoes, flavorful garlic, and rich cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is easy to prepare and filled with delicious toppings like bacon and sour cream. Discover how to create this comfort food classic with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table!

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Ingredients

6 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform cubes

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnishing)

1 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian option

1/2 cup sour cream (or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In the slow cooker, combine the diced russet potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Once seasoned, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Cook until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

After the potatoes have fully cooked, take a potato masher and mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker to help thicken the soup, while keeping some potato chunks intact for a delightful texture.

Slowly add in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until well combined. Allow the soup to heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted, resulting in a creamy consistency.

Just before serving, swirl in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to enhance the richness and add a tangy flavor.

Using a ladle, serve the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an elegant finish.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

- Total Time: 8 hours

- Servings: 6-8

Presentation Tips: Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy appeal and place a crispy breadstick or toasted baguette slice alongside for a complete meal experience.