Comforting creamy soup with diced potatoes, cheddar, and bacon, slow-cooked to rich, hearty perfection.
# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
→ Broth & Seasonings
05 - 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
→ Dairy
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - ½ cup sour cream
11 - ½ cup heavy cream
12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
→ Proteins & Toppings
13 - 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional or substitute for vegetarian)
# Method:
01 - Place diced potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme into slow cooker. Stir until evenly mixed.
02 - Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
03 - Use a potato masher or immersion blender to partially mash potatoes in the pot, achieving desired thickness.
04 - Stir in softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and heavy cream until soup is smooth and creamy.
05 - Adjust seasoning as needed by tasting and adding salt or pepper if necessary.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
