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Easy Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Best Comfort Food

crockpot loaded baked potato soup - featured image

This creamy, rich loaded baked potato soup is made entirely in the slow cooker with minimal prep. It’s the perfect hands-off comfort food for busy weeknights, and even self-proclaimed potato soup haters will love it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Peel the russet potatoes and dice them into ½-inch cubes. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  2. Place the diced potatoes in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the liquid covers the potatoes. Add the butter pieces, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Do NOT add the evaporated milk yet.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the evaporated milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes until hot and melty.
  5. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up the potatoes to your desired consistency. Leave some chunks for texture if preferred.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, use russet potatoes and rinse off excess starch to prevent gumminess. Add dairy at the end to avoid curdling. Soup thickens as it sits; thin with a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot potato soup, loaded baked potato soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, creamy potato soup