Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy broth for a satisfying meal. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly days when you crave something warm and comforting. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the delicious aroma as this soup cooks to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 5 large potatoes, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half cream
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon and Onion:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the cooked bacon and onions to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Potatoes and Seasonings:
- Add the diced potatoes, condensed chicken broth, water, salt, dill weed, and ground white pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare Cream Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and half-and-half cream until smooth. Stir in the evaporated milk.
- Thicken Soup:
- Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
- Serve:
- Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls. Garnish with additional crispy bacon pieces and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, stir in shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy potato bacon soup.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add extra vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add more salt, pepper, or dill weed as needed.
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for warming up on cold days. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon flavor, and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness that will satisfy your cravings. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the cozy comfort of this hearty soup
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes in this soup? A: Yes, you can use different varieties of potatoes such as russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different potatoes may have slightly different textures when cooked, but they will all work well in this soup.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that dairy-based soups like this one may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you plan to freeze leftovers, cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stovetop.
Q: What can I serve with this soup? A: This creamy potato bacon soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as crusty bread, dinner rolls, crackers, or a simple green salad. You can also top the soup with additional shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker such as an Instant Pot. Simply follow the same instructions for cooking the bacon and onions, then add the remaining ingredients to the pressure cooker. Cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, then do a quick release of the pressure before adding the cream mixture and allowing it to thicken.
Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy meals at home. With its creamy texture, flavorful bacon, and tender potatoes, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is a delicious option that everyone will love. Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and enjoy the delicious aroma as this soup cooks to perfection.
