Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
This slow cooker creamy potato bacon soup is going to be a new family-friendly favorite. It’s easy to make so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and reheats really well so it’s great for meal prep. This crock pot ground beef soup is also gluten-free and loaded with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onion, celery and tomatoes. It’s full of flavor and one of our go-to recipes for fall and winter.
How to make Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Ingredients
6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, finely chopped
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed chicken broth
2 cups water
5 large potatoes, diced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried dill weed
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
Instructions:
Step 1:
Place bacon and onion in a large, deep skillet.
Cook over medium-high heat until bacon is evenly brown and onions are soft.
Drain off excess grease.
Step 2:
Transfer the bacon and onion to a slow cooker, and stir in chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, dill weed, and white pepper.
Cover, and cook on Low 6 to 7 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and half-and-half.
Stir into the soup along with the evaporated milk.
Cover, and cook another 30 minutes before serving.
Notes:
Flavorful Base: The combination of bacon and onion provides a flavorful base for the soup, adding richness and depth to the overall taste.
Convenience of Slow Cooking: Using a slow cooker allows for easy preparation and hands-off cooking, making this recipe perfect for busy days or when you want to have dinner ready when you come home.
Creamy and Comforting: The addition of half-and-half and evaporated milk creates a luxurious and creamy texture, enhancing the comforting qualities of the soup.
Versatile Ingredients: Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that adds heartiness to the soup while absorbing the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
Balanced Seasonings: The combination of salt, dried dill weed, and ground white pepper provides a balanced seasoning profile, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Thickening Agent: The mixture of flour and half-and-half serves as a thickening agent, helping to achieve the desired creamy consistency of the soup.
Cooking Time: Cooking the soup on low heat for 6 to 7 hours allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring that the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
Finishing Touch: The final 30 minutes of cooking with the addition of the flour and half-and-half mixture, along with evaporated milk, adds a final layer of creaminess and helps to thicken the soup to perfection.
Stirring Occasionally: Stirring the soup occasionally during the cooking process helps to distribute the ingredients evenly and prevents sticking or burning on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup is ready, serve it hot and enjoy the comforting aroma and flavors of this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or for sharing with family and friends.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 350 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 30g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in the Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon.
Keep in mind that turkey bacon may have a different flavor and texture than traditional bacon.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup is suitable for freezing.
Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Can I replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative to make this soup truly gluten-free?
Certainly! You can use a gluten-free flour substitute to make the soup gluten-free while maintaining a creamy consistency.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If you find the soup too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water.
Alternatively, if it’s too thin, you can mix a little more flour with water and add it to the slow cooker.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can use whole milk, heavy cream, or a combination of milk and cream to achieve the desired richness.
What’s the purpose of using dill weed in the soup?
Dill weed adds a subtle herbaceous flavor to the soup, complementing the richness of the bacon and cream.
It’s optional, and you can omit it if you prefer.
Can I cook the Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup on high for a shorter time?
While it’s recommended to cook on low for 6-7 hours, you can cook on high for around 3-4 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian version.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Certainly! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon to save time?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly and add the pre-cooked bacon later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming overly crispy.