Slow Cooker Creamy Loaded Potato Soup: Ultimate Cozy Weeknight Meal

When comfort food calls, this Slow Cooker Creamy Loaded Potato Soup delivers in a big way. Imagine all your favorite baked potato toppings—crispy smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives, and rich sour cream—blended into a silky potato soup that cooks itself while you go about your day.

Using Russet potatoes allows the natural starches to thicken the broth naturally as they simmer low and slow. A quick mash with a potato masher right before serving leaves chunky, tender potato bites surrounded by velvety cheddar broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-Comforting & Thick: Starchy Russet potatoes create a thick soup without heavy artificial additives.
• Fully Customizable Toppings: Top each bowl with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, jalapenos, or green onions.
• Budget-Friendly Party Favorite: Feeds a large family or crowd economically.

Ingredients Checklist

• 3 lbs Russet Potatoes: Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion: Diced finely.
• 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Base liquid.
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter & 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Thickener.
• 1.5 cups Milk or Heavy Cream: Rich dairy finisher.
• 1.5 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded.
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream: Adds classic tangy potato soup finish.
• 8 slices Crisp Cooked Bacon & Chopped Green Onions: For topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Load Potatoes: Place diced Russet potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and broth into slow cooker.
2. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours) until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Mash & Thicken: Use a potato masher to crush roughly 50% of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker for texture. Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour, milk, and add to slow cooker.
4. Fold in Cheese & Sour Cream: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth. Ladle into bowls and top with crispy bacon and green onions!

Frequently Asked Questions