Potato And Bacon Soup Slow Cooker Recipe (Guide)

Ah, potato and bacon soup-the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. There’s something undeniably magical about creamy potatoes combined with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. What’s even better? This isn’t just any soup. Using a slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully without requiring constant attention in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon and tender, buttery potatoes. It’s cozy, it’s hearty, and it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even a small gathering with friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who usually relies on takeout, this recipe is approachable, forgiving, and utterly satisfying. In this guide, I’ll take you step by step through creating this soul-warming soup, offer ingredient swaps if you’re feeling adventurous (or just ran out of something), and provide tips to elevate it beyond the ordinary. Let’s dive in!

Potato And Bacon Soup Slow Cooker Recipe

This slow cooker potato and bacon soup is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors. By cooking it low and slow, the potatoes become tender, the bacon infuses the broth with smoky richness, and the herbs tie everything together harmoniously. The beauty of this soup is in its simplicity and versatility-it’s easy to make, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent soup:

• Bacon: 6-8 slices, diced (or turkey bacon for a lighter version)
• Potatoes: 4-5 medium-sized, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced (optional, for subtle sweetness)
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced (adds depth of flavor)
• Chicken or vegetable broth: 4 cups
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (to thicken, optional)
• Salt and pepper: To taste
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
• Chives or green onions: For garnish
• Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded (optional, for an extra indulgent touch)

Instruction Guide

Here’s how to bring this soup to life in your slow cooker:

1. Prepare The Bacon

   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Keep a tablespoon of bacon fat if you want to add extra flavor to the soup base.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same skillet, add butter to the reserved bacon fat.
   • Sauté onions, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened and fragrant (around 5 minutes).

3. Combine In The Slow Cooker

   • Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.
   • Toss in the diced potatoes, cooked bacon, broth, and thyme.
   • Season lightly with salt and pepper (you can adjust later).

4. Cook Low And Slow

   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors are melded.

5. Blend For Creaminess (optional)

   • For a silky-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Leave some potato chunks for texture.

6. Add Cream And Thicken

   • Stir in heavy cream and sprinkle flour if you want a thicker soup. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, chives, or extra crispy bacon.

Ingredient Swaps

Cooking is all about flexibility. Here are some swaps to suit your pantry or dietary needs:

• Bacon: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or smoked sausage
• Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or a mix of potatoes and parsnips for a sweeter flavor
• Broth: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian version
• Cream: Coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative
• Butter: Olive oil or vegan butter
• Cheese: Vegan cheese or omit entirely for a lighter soup

Helpful Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your soup comes out perfectly every time:

• Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables-it adds layers of flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Adjust seasoning at the end-slow cooking can mellow flavors, so taste before serving.
• Use russet potatoes for a fluffy texture or Yukon Gold for a creamier, buttery finish.
• Partially blend the soup for a smooth-yet-textured experience.

Customization Ideas

Make this soup uniquely yours with these creative tweaks:

• Add heat: A pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Extra veggies: Corn, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Protein boost: Toss in shredded chicken or cooked sausage for a heartier meal.
• Crunch factor: Top with croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Herb variations: Swap thyme for rosemary, parsley, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I Use Frozen Potatoes For This Slow Cooker Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen potatoes, but it is recommended to thaw them slightly before adding to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Frozen potatoes may release extra water, which could slightly alter the soup’s consistency.

What Type Of Bacon Works Best For This Soup?

Smoked or thick-cut bacon works best because it adds rich flavor to the soup. Leaner bacon can also be used, but it may render less fat and provide a milder taste.

Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian Or Reduce The Meat Content?

Yes, you can substitute bacon with smoked tempeh, coconut bacon, or omit it entirely. Adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help retain the characteristic smoky flavor in the soup.

How Long Should I Cook Potato And Bacon Soup In A Slow Cooker?

Typically, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Can I Add Cream Or Milk To Make The Soup Creamier?

Yes, you can add heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk near the end of cooking. Avoid adding dairy at the beginning as prolonged heat can cause curdling.

Should I Pre-cook The Bacon Before Adding It To The Slow Cooker?

It is recommended to partially cook the bacon first to render some fat and enhance flavor. This also prevents the bacon from remaining chewy and helps incorporate its smoky taste into the soup.

Can I Prepare This Soup In Advance And Reheat It Later?

Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to maintain a consistent texture.

Is It Possible To Thicken The Soup If It Turns Out Too Watery?

Yes, you can thicken the soup by mashing some of the cooked potatoes in the slow cooker or adding a slurry of cornstarch or flour mixed with cold water and cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.

What Herbs And Spices Complement Potato And Bacon Soup?

Common choices include thyme, rosemary, parsley, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. These enhance the savory profile and balance the richness of the bacon and potatoes.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To This Slow Cooker Soup?

Yes, vegetables like carrots, celery, leeks, or corn can be added. Keep in mind that root vegetables may require longer cooking times, so cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking with the potatoes.