Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as potato soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re simply craving something creamy and hearty, this Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and Bacon is the perfect solution. With its rich texture, savory bacon, and gooey cheese topping, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make using frozen hashbrowns, meaning you can enjoy a delicious homemade soup with minimal effort.

Why Choose a Crockpot for Potato Soup?

Crockpot cooking, also known as slow cooking, is an efficient way to prepare meals that require minimal active involvement. For dishes like potato soup, using a Crockpot allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a richer, more flavorful soup. Plus, the slow cooker keeps your kitchen cool and allows you to prepare your meal in the morning and enjoy it later without additional effort.

Benefits of Using Hashbrowns in Potato Soup

Frozen shredded hashbrowns are an excellent shortcut for making potato soup. Not only do they save time, but they also provide a smooth texture that helps thicken the soup naturally. While fresh potatoes are often used in traditional potato soups, hashbrowns allow you to skip peeling, dicing, and boiling the potatoes. For those looking for a heartier option, cubed hashbrowns can provide a chunkier texture.

Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Potato Soup

Creating a rich, creamy, and flavorful potato soup requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Below, we’ve outlined the key elements of this soup, which combines frozen hashbrowns with cream cheese, bacon, and several savory seasonings.

1. Frozen Shredded Hashbrowns

The star ingredient of this recipe, frozen hashbrowns, simplifies the cooking process and enhances the soup’s creaminess. When added to the Crockpot, hashbrowns quickly cook down into a smooth, velvety texture, forming the perfect base for your soup.

2. Cream Cheese

For that rich, creamy consistency, cream cheese is a must. It melts beautifully into the soup, adding a smooth texture and a mild tang that balances the richness of the bacon and stock.

3. Cream of Chicken Soup

Using cream of chicken soup in this recipe adds both flavor and body to the soup. It’s an easy ingredient that brings extra creaminess, and its savory profile complements the potatoes and bacon perfectly.

4. Chicken Stock

To create the soup’s base, chicken stock is essential. It adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish while allowing the other ingredients to shine. You can also use vegetable stock for a slightly different flavor, although chicken stock is preferred for this traditional recipe.

5. Onion Soup Mix and Spices

To give the soup that irresistible savory flavor, onion soup mix, minced garlic, mustard powder, and celery salt are mixed in. These seasonings are key to building layers of flavor, making every spoonful satisfying.

6. Bacon

Crispy, crumbled bacon brings a smoky, salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth texture of the soup. The bacon drippings should also be saved and added to the soup for an extra depth of flavor.

7. Cheddar Cheese

Lastly, no potato soup is complete without a generous topping of shredded cheddar cheese. As the cheese melts into the hot soup, it adds an indulgent richness and an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and Bacon

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

The first step is to set up your Crockpot. Place the frozen hashbrowns into the bottom of the Crockpot, making sure they are spread evenly. Using frozen hashbrowns simplifies the process and eliminates the need for time-consuming prep.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Next, add the entire block of cream cheese into the Crockpot. Follow this with the can of cream of chicken soup and chicken stock. These ingredients form the creamy, flavorful base of the soup. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Soup

To build flavor, add the onion soup mix, minced garlic, mustard powder, and celery salt to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. These spices provide depth and complexity to the soup, making every bite a savory delight.

Step 4: Let the Soup Cook

Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the Crockpot and set it to cook on high for 6 hours. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom. During this time, the soup will thicken as the potatoes and cream cheese meld together into a creamy, comforting texture.

Step 5: Cook the Bacon

While the soup is cooking, fry the bacon in a pan over medium heat. Fry the bacon until it is crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Be sure to save a spoonful of the bacon drippings. These drippings will enhance the soup’s flavor, so don’t discard them!

Step 6: Add Bacon and Drippings to the Soup

About 30 minutes before serving, add the crumbled bacon and a spoonful of the bacon drippings into the Crockpot. Stir everything together to incorporate the bacon flavor into the soup, and allow the soup to continue cooking for the remaining time.

Step 7: Serve and Top with Cheddar Cheese

Once the soup is fully cooked and thickened, serve it hot in bowls. For the finishing touch, top each bowl of soup with shredded cheddar cheese. As the cheese melts, it will create a deliciously creamy, cheesy layer that completes the soup.

Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Potato Soup

Experiment with Different Potato Options

While shredded hashbrowns work wonderfully for a smooth, creamy texture, you can experiment with cubed hashbrowns for a chunkier soup. Cubed hashbrowns give the soup a more substantial texture, which some people prefer for added heartiness.

Adjust the Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to add less stock or let the soup cook a bit longer. Conversely, if you like a thinner soup, you can add more stock or even a splash of milk or cream.

Make It a Meal

This Crockpot Potato Soup with bacon is filling on its own, but you can turn it into a full meal by serving it with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Storing Leftovers

This potato soup stores wonderfully in the fridge. Simply let it cool, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra stock or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

Conclusion: A Perfect Comfort Food Recipe

Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and Bacon is a comforting, creamy, and savory dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. With minimal preparation and a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to meld, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone who loves the taste of homemade soup without the hassle.

The combination of frozen hashbrowns, cream cheese, chicken stock, and bacon creates a deliciously rich base, while the addition of cheddar cheese provides a perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a full meal, this potato soup is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.