If you are craving something ultra-comforting and packed with flavor that basically hugs your soul from the inside out, then this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender russet potatoes cooked to perfection in a velvety broth infused with garlic, herbs, and just the right amount of creamy cheese and bacon bits. It’s an effortless slow cooker meal that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a fuss-free dinner that feels homemade with love. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping the ingredients simple is the secret to this soup’s incredible depth of flavor. Each component plays a distinct role, from providing body and texture to layering in savory notes that will have your taste buds dancing. Here’s what you’ll need to pull together this classic comfort food magic.

Diced russet potatoes: The hearty, starchy base that creates a thick and creamy soup texture once cooked.
Diced onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic undertone as it simmers down.
Minced garlic: Brings a punch of warmth and complements the herbs perfectly.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that cooks the potatoes and breathes life into the soup.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors and balancing the dish.
Black pepper: Offers subtle heat and depth with every bite.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that pairs beautifully with potatoes, giving a slightly earthy aroma.
Dried parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the flavor profile.
Butter: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel to the final soup.
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that transforms the broth into a luxuriously creamy base.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Infuses the soup with sharp, melty cheesiness and irresistible gooeyness.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds smoky, crunchy bursts that truly make this soup loaded and indulgent.
Heavy cream: Elevates the creaminess and gives the soup a luscious finish.
Sliced green onions: The final fresh, slightly pungent garnish that balances the heavier flavors.

How to Make Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by adding the diced russet potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley directly into your crockpot. This mixture is the backbone of your soup, setting the tone with its comforting blend of herbs and aromatics. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The goal is to get those potatoes beautifully tender, ready to provide body and thickness to the soup.

Step 2: Lightly Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked through, grab a potato masher and gently smash some of the potatoes right in the crockpot. Don’t overdo it—you want to thicken the soup while leaving plenty of soft chunks for satisfying texture. This step brings the perfect balance between creamy and chunky that defines a great loaded potato soup.

Step 3: Add Creaminess and Cheese

Now, toss in the butter, cream cheese cubes, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts fully, creating a smooth, rich base. Stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese and half of the cooked bacon. This is the moment the soup truly becomes loaded, with melty cheese and smoky bacon mingling into the creamy broth. Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes to meld all the flavors.

Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving

Once everything is warmed through and well combined, ladle your soup into bowls. Top each serving with the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions. The contrast in color, texture, and flavor from these garnishes will make every spoonful exciting and delightful.

How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To enhance your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe experience, don’t skip the garnishes. More cheese and bacon bring that beloved loaded taste and a satisfying crunch, while sliced green onions add brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. A small dollop of sour cream on top can be divine if you’re up for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every remaining drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a refreshing complement, balancing the richness of the soup with a bit of fresh crunch. For heartier meals, roasted vegetables or simple steamed broccoli can add a nutritious sidekick to your bowl of comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. You can also top individual servings with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh chives for an extra pop of flavor and color. Layering your garnishes artistically on top can make this humble soup feel restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal equally satisfying. Before refrigerating, be sure to cool the soup to room temperature to maintain quality.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead option. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating steps below. Keep in mind that frozen potatoes may become slightly grainy but reheating gently can help restore some creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat your Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash more broth or cream to loosen the soup if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer. Microwave reheating works too; just heat in 1-minute increments and stir well.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes provide that classic fluffy, starchy texture, Yukon gold potatoes can be used if you want a creamier, denser soup. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they might soften a bit faster.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that smoky bacon flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

For sure! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing. Cooking times may need slight adjustments, especially on low heat, so check the potatoes for tenderness before proceeding.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with sour cream or a bit of mascarpone for creaminess. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious and comforting.

How do I make this soup thicker if I prefer it more hearty?

If your soup isn’t quite thick enough, mash more of the potatoes inside the crockpot or add a small spoonful of instant potato flakes during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Another option is to simmer the soup uncovered for a bit to let excess liquid evaporate.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a bowl of Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe that no fancy restaurant can quite replicate. It’s the perfect cozy meal to assemble with ease, yet it delivers layers of flavor and rich comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is a true culinary hug in a bowl. Give it a go and watch it become one of your go-to slow cooker favorites!