This Crockpot Baked Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort dish warm, velvety, and loaded with all your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions. Slow cooking it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty soup that’s incredibly satisfying with minimal effort.
Perfect for chilly nights or cozy weekends, this soup is a must-try for potato lovers and comfort food seekers alike. It’s also incredibly versatile add veggies, switch to turkey bacon, or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the bacon. One spoonful of this creamy delight and you’ll be hooked!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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2 green onions, thinly sliced
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Optional toppings: extra cheese, sour cream, chives, bacon bits
Directions:
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Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to your crockpot.
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Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are soft.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. For chunkier soup, blend only half.
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Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
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Cover and cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low to heat through.
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Serve hot, garnished with bacon, green onions, and any desired toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Few dishes deliver comfort and heartwarming satisfaction like a bowl of baked potato soup. But when you let it simmer low and slow in the crock pot, it transforms into something even more magical creamy, flavorful, and rich in every bite. Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup is not only easy to prepare, but it’s a time-saving, soul-soothing meal that brings out the best of wholesome ingredients with minimal effort.
Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weekdays, or when you just need a big bowl of creamy goodness, this soup is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for meal prep ideas, this dish checks every box. Let’s dive into what makes this slow cooker wonder so special and why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation.
What Makes This Baked Potato Soup Stand Out
Unlike standard stovetop versions, Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup leverages the slow cooker’s even, gentle heat to slowly extract deep flavor from humble ingredients. The long cooking process allows the potatoes to break down and thicken the soup naturally, reducing the need for excess flour or other thickeners. The flavors have more time to meld together, resulting in a rich and layered taste you can’t quite replicate with quicker methods.
The creaminess of this soup isn’t just from dairy it’s built layer by layer with starchy potatoes, broth, aromatics, and finally, a velvety finishing touch of cream or sour cream. Topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions, it’s reminiscent of a fully-loaded baked potato served in a warm, comforting bowl.
Convenience Meets Comfort
One of the best parts of this recipe is how effortlessly it fits into your daily life. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, your crock pot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you have a hearty, hot meal waiting.
This recipe is especially ideal for:
- Busy weeknights – No more scrambling after work. Dinner is done.
- Weekend meal prep – Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Entertaining guests – Serve it in mugs or bread bowls for a casual, crowd-pleasing option.
- Cold-weather comfort – There’s no better way to warm up on a snowy evening.
The flexibility and reliability of this recipe are what set it apart. You can even cook it overnight for an easy workday lunch with just a quick reheat.
A Budget-Friendly, Family-Pleasing Meal
Baked potato soup is made with pantry and fridge staples potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, dairy which means it’s incredibly cost-effective. Even when you add toppings like bacon, cheese, or chives, the overall price per serving is minimal.
Despite its humble ingredients, this soup is decadent enough to feel like a treat. It’s thick, creamy, and bursting with rich flavors. Kids and adults alike love it, and it can be easily doubled to feed a crowd or frozen for later use.
Customizations and Variations
What’s great about this crock pot baked potato soup is how easily it can be adapted to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. Add sautéed mushrooms or smoky paprika for added depth.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk like unsweetened oat or almond milk and dairy-free cheese. Coconut cream can be used for extra richness without dairy.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for fewer carbs but the same creamy consistency.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or white beans to make it even more filling.
The base of the soup is a canvas that allows for endless creativity while still delivering that core comfort food appeal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup shines all on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try serving it with:
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks – Perfect for dipping and sopping up every last bit.
- A crisp side salad – Add freshness with a simple green salad topped with vinaigrette.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches – The classic tomato soup partner also works beautifully here.
- Bread bowls – Hollow out round loaves for an impressive presentation and even more comfort factor.
You can set up a toppings bar and let guests customize their bowls bacon bits, shredded cheese, scallions, sour cream, chives, or even hot sauce. It adds a fun, interactive element for dinner parties or family meals.
Storage and Freezing Tips
This soup stores exceptionally well. Simply let it cool and pour it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or milk to loosen the texture if needed. The flavor only deepens over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
Health Benefits of Homemade Soup
While it may seem indulgent, this soup can actually be a health-conscious choice depending on your ingredients and portions. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. When made at home, you control the sodium and fat content, making it much healthier than many canned or restaurant options.
You can also pack in extra veggies like carrots, leeks, or spinach for added nutrients. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream can add protein while lowering fat. It’s a comforting dish you can feel good about eating.
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
There’s a reason baked potato soup continues to be a go-to recipe for home cooks across the globe. It’s easy, filling, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. But when prepared in a slow cooker, it reaches a whole new level of convenience and taste. The process simplifies your day while amplifying the final dish’s flavor.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking on a budget, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every single time. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl and who doesn’t need more of that?
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic for Every Table
Crock Pot Baked Potato Soup isn’t just another soup it’s an experience. A reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, this dish manages to offer everything: warmth, flavor, convenience, and joy.
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for those times you want a no-fuss dinner that’s guaranteed to please. Whether you’re curling up with a bowl on the couch or serving a crowd around the table, this slow-cooked classic never fails to bring people together.