Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup with Cream Cheese & Crispy Bacon

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to warm your home with a comforting classic that has fed generations? This hearty slow-cooked soup brings together humble potatoes, rich cream cheese, and smoky bacon in a way that feels like a cozy evening around a family hearth. For many, such dishes are more than a meal—they’re a reminder of the quiet pleasures of life, the crackle of a stove on a cool night, and the familiar scent of something delicious simmering for hours. 🍲✨

In many traditional kitchens, potato soups were cherished for their simplicity and their ability to nourish everyone gathered at the table. Slow cooking gently coaxes out each flavor, allowing the potatoes to soften into a velvety base while the broth deepens to a rustic richness. When you finish it with cream cheese, you get a smooth, comforting texture that feels like a warm blanket. Add a handful of crispy bacon on top, and you’re honoring the old ways—making the most of every ingredient and bringing them together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re preparing supper for family or seeking a dish to unwind with, this recipe carries the familiar charm of tradition while staying wonderfully easy. Let’s get cooking! 🍽️🔥

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Ingredients

For the Soup

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

For the Toppings

• 6 strips bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sour cream (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Place the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper into your slow cooker.
2. Stir everything gently to combine and cover with the lid.
3. Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender enough to mash with a spoon.
4. Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher or the back of a ladle to partially mash them. Leave some chunks for texture.
5. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
6. Pour in the milk or half-and-half and stir again. Let the soup warm through for about 10–15 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Ladle into bowls and finish with crispy bacon, cheddar, green onions, and any extras you like.
9. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting goodness. 😋🔥

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) | ⏳ Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️