Description

A creamy, comforting one-pot dinner made in the slow cooker with russet potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal active prep time.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds Russet potatoes, chopped into 1-inch cubes
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8–10 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
2 cups broccoli florets (optional)
3–4 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

Wash potatoes and chop into 1-inch cubes. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel to drain, then crumble into bite-sized pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease if desired.
Add diced potatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, butter, thyme, pepper, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Once tender, mash about half of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup naturally. Leave some chunks for texture.
Turn off the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust consistency with extra broth or cream if needed.
Ladle into bowls and top with reserved crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip shredding your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. Taste before adding extra salt as bacon and cheese are naturally salty. This soup thickens significantly when refrigerated; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. It does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 850
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 18

Keywords: slow cooker, potato soup, cheesy potato soup, bacon soup, one pot dinner, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meals