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Cozy Creamy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe with Bacon and Cheese Made Easy

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A comforting and creamy potato soup made easy in the crockpot, featuring smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a silky smooth texture from blended cottage cheese. Perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups peeled and diced Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup small-curd, full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces / 225 grams), plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (use coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for gluten-free)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Add diced onion to the skillet with bacon fat and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter and flour until combined into a smooth paste (beurre manié).
  4. Add diced potatoes, sautéed onion and garlic, crispy bacon (reserve some for garnish), chicken broth, and beurre manié mixture to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are fork-tender and soup is thickened.
  6. While soup cooks, blend cottage cheese until smooth using a blender or food processor.
  7. Once potatoes are soft, stir in blended cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Mix thoroughly until cheese melts and soup is velvety.
  8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky warmth.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon bits and chopped fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Crisp bacon separately to avoid rubbery texture. Use beurre manié to thicken without lumps. Blend cottage cheese smooth to prevent graininess. Stir occasionally during last hour to prevent sticking. Adjust thickness with extra broth or cream as needed. Reheat gently to avoid cream separation. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb/keto, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato soup, crockpot soup, creamy potato soup, bacon and cheese soup, comfort food, slow cooker soup, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cozy-creamy-crockpot-potato-soup-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheese-made-easy/