Let’s set the scene: It’s cold, you’re tired, and you want something warm, delicious, and totally satisfying. You’re not in the mood for takeout, and cereal for dinner isn’t exactly what dreams are made of. Cue this crockpot loaded potato soup recipe! It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with comforting ingredients like ham, bacon, and potatoes (a.k.a. the holy grail of all carbs).
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want to channel your inner cozy chef, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, you can let your trusty crockpot do all the heavy lifting. You toss everything in, go about your day, and return to a house that smells like heaven. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
You know how some recipes just click with everyone? This is one of them. Even the pickiest eaters in my house can’t say no to a steaming bowl of this loaded potato soup. I mean, how could they? It’s got all the good stuff: tender potatoes, savory ham, melty cheese, and, of course, bacon.
When I first made this, I was nervous that my kids would pick around the “green stuff” (a.k.a. green onions). But nope—they licked their bowls clean. And if my kids approve, you know it’s a win!
The Perfect Comfort Food for Cold Nights
Picture this: It’s snowing outside, you’re wrapped in a blanket, and your favorite show is queued up on Netflix. All that’s missing? A big ol’ bowl of potato soup easy to warm you up from the inside out.
This soup isn’t just food—it’s a vibe. It’s the culinary equivalent of fuzzy socks and a crackling fire. And the best part? You don’t even have to babysit it. The crockpot does the work while you live your best cozy life.
What Makes This the BEST Potato Soup?
I’ll tell you what: the layers of flavor. This isn’t just any soup—it’s a loaded baked potato in liquid form. Think perfectly tender potatoes, a creamy broth, and cheese that melts into pure decadence. Then you top it with crispy bacon and green onions for that extra oomph. You’ll feel like a kitchen wizard pulling off a recipe this good with so little effort.
Ingredients for Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Soup
Potatoes – The Foundation of the Soup
Potatoes are the MVP here. I like russets because they get nice and soft, creating that creamy texture. But Yukon golds work too if you want a slightly buttery flavor. Just don’t use red potatoes—they’re too waxy and will leave you with a chunky mess.
Onion – Adding Depth of Flavor
One chopped yellow onion transforms this soup from “meh” to “OMG, what is that amazing smell?” Bonus: onions make you look like a pro chef, even if you’re just winging it.
Ham – A Savory Addition
Got leftover ham from Easter? Toss it in! No leftovers? Grab a ham steak from the store. Either way, the smoky, salty flavor takes this soup to the next level.
Cream of Chicken Soup – For a Creamy Base
This is the shortcut ingredient you didn’t know you needed. Cream of chicken soup makes the broth rich and silky without a lot of fuss.
Chicken Broth – The Base Liquid
Low-sodium chicken broth is your BFF. It gives the soup that perfect savory base without overwhelming it with salt.
Garlic and Black Pepper – Simple Seasonings That Shine
A little garlic and black pepper go a long way. And if you love black pepper as much as I do, don’t be shy—this soup can handle it.
Milk and Flour – Creating the Perfect Thickness
A quick slurry of milk and flour works magic here. It thickens the soup just enough to make it feel luxurious without being heavy.
Cheese – The Secret to Creaminess
Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but honestly, any good melting cheese will do. Pro tip: Shred it yourself for the creamiest results. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can mess with the texture.
Toppings – Bacon, Green Onions, and More
This is where you get to have fun. Bacon, green onions, shredded cheese, sour cream—go wild! Want to get fancy? Try a dollop of chive sour cream or some crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Potato Soup
Prepping Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Peel, chop, measure, and set everything up before you start. Trust me, nothing kills your cooking mojo faster than scrambling for that one ingredient halfway through.
Layering the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start with the potatoes, then add your onion, ham, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic, and black pepper. Give it a quick stir, pop the lid on, and walk away.
Cooking Time and Temperature Settings
- Low and Slow (6-8 Hours): Perfect for lazy days when you want the flavors to really develop.
- High and Fast (3-4 Hours): Great for when you forgot to plan ahead but still need comfort food ASAP.
Adding Cheese and Thickening the Soup
About an hour before it’s done, stir in your shredded cheese and the milk-flour slurry. This is when the magic happens, and your soup turns into liquid gold.
Garnishing and Serving Suggestions
Once it’s ready, ladle it into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, and more cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it alongside this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for a soup night extravaganza.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
How to Customize the Recipe to Your Liking
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the ham and bacon, and use cream of celery soup and veggie broth.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for cornstarch and ensure your cream soup is GF-certified.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
The Importance of Toppings – Take It to the Next Level
Toppings aren’t optional—they’re essential! A sprinkle of fresh herbs, a drizzle of sour cream, or even a few croutons can take your soup from good to unforgettable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
How to Freeze Potato Soup for Future Meals
This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely, portion it into freezer bags, and lay them flat in your freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! Russets and Yukon golds are best, but avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! Cream of mushroom or celery works just as well.
How Can I Thicken the Soup Without Flour?
Cornstarch or instant potato flakes are great alternatives.
Can This Recipe Be Made Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Potato Soup?
Stovetop is best for even reheating, but the microwave works in a pinch.
Can I Add Extra Protein Like Chicken or Sausage?
Yes! Shredded chicken or crumbled sausage are fantastic additions.
More Recipes to Warm You Up
If you love this loaded potato soup crockpot recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cozy options:
Loaded Potato Soup Crockpot
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 cups diced ham pre-cooked or leftover
- 2 cans 10.5 oz each cream of chicken soup
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 slices cooked bacon crumbled (for topping)
- 4 green onions chopped (for topping)
- Optional: sour cream or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Peel and dice the potatoes, chop the onion, and prepare the ham.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place the diced potatoes in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the chopped onion, ham, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook:
- For low heat, cook for 6-8 hours.
- For high heat, cook for 3-4 hours. Check to make sure the potatoes are tender.
- Add Cheese and Thicken:
- One hour before serving, stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot and stir well. Cover and cook for another hour to thicken.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with more veggies like carrots or celery, and use cream of celery soup and vegetable broth instead.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch, and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Pro Tip: For extra creamy soup, use Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets and shred your cheese fresh from the block.
So, there you have it—loaded baked potato soup easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, I promise it’ll become a regular on your menu.
What are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, whip up this soup, and let the cozy vibes roll. Don’t forget to check out Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe for another crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!
