Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Comfort at Its Best – Just Set It and Forget It

Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Souhail

There’s just something about the phrase Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup that makes my stomach growl and my heart happy. Maybe it’s the creamy texture, the melted cheddar, or the way crispy bacon and sour cream swirl into every spoonful. Or maybe it’s the fact that this recipe does all the heavy lifting for you while your house slowly fills with the aroma of comfort.

I first made this when I was hosting a casual weekend game night with friends, and I needed something easy, hearty, and hands-off. That’s where the crockpot came in. You dump everything in, let it do its thing, and a few hours later, boom—potato soup perfection.

This loaded potato soup is rich, silky, and absolutely packed with flavor thanks to a combination of tender Russet potatoes, garlic, onions, broth, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Then we go all out with toppings: crispy bacon, chives, sour cream, and even more cheese. It’s like your favorite baked potato turned into the creamiest, dreamiest soup ever—and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Whether you’re looking for a soul-warming winter meal, a crowd-pleasing game day dish, or a low-effort weeknight dinner, this crockpot soup fits the bill every single time.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

If you love baked potatoes, cheddar cheese, and cozy winter nights curled up with something warm and hearty, this soup is about to become your new favorite. What makes this loaded potato soup crockpot recipe so special is how it transforms humble ingredients into something rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying—with almost no effort at all.

Here’s why this one’s a total keeper:

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Reward
  Just peel and chop the potatoes, sauté the onion and garlic if you’re feeling fancy (totally optional), and let the slow cooker take over. No constant stirring. No babysitting. Just dreamy soup waiting at the end.
• Ultra Creamy & Comforting
  Thanks to the combo of cream cheese, cheddar, and a little cream, this soup delivers serious comfort food energy. It’s rich without being too heavy.
• Fully Customizable
  Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the bacon and use veggie broth. Need it gluten-free? This recipe already is! Prefer a chunky texture over smooth? Just blend half the batch and leave the rest hearty.
• Crowd-Pleaser Status: Confirmed
  I’ve served this at everything from lazy Sundays to snow day dinners to game night hangouts. It’s always the first thing to go. Everyone loves a build-your-own bowl loaded with bacon, sour cream, green onions, and even hot sauce if you’re into spice.
• Budget-Friendly
  This recipe uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients, but tastes like something you’d get at a cozy café.

Oh, and if you’re into cozy crockpot meals, I highly recommend checking out this crockpot white chicken chili too—another creamy, comforting favorite in our house.

Health Benefits (Because Comfort Can Still Be Good For You!)

Potatoes are a good source of potassium and fiber.

Onions and garlic offer immune-boosting properties.

Cream cheese and dairy provide calcium and protein (in moderation).

You can easily lighten this up or make it gluten-free and vegetarian with just a couple swaps.

How To Make This Recipe

Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

6

hours 

Calories

420

kcal

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this crockpot loaded potato soup recipe turns simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal everyone loves.

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Ingredients

• 6 Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 0.5 tsp black pepper

• 0.5 tsp dried thyme (optional)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 0.75 cup heavy cream

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, extra cheddar, hot sauce

Directions

• First, you’ll want to peel and chop your Russet potatoes into small cubes so they cook evenly and break down nicely. If you’re short on time, you can totally use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns—just know it may cook a little faster.
• Toss the potatoes into your slow cooker along with some diced onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. You can also add a pinch of thyme or paprika for a subtle depth of flavor.
• Cover and cook it on low for about 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The potatoes should be super tender and easy to mash with a spoon when ready.
• Once everything’s soft and lovely, grab your immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches) and blend the soup to your desired consistency. I like mine super smooth, but some people love a little potato chunk texture—so go with what makes you happy.
• Now comes the creamy magic. Stir in the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and heavy cream. Let it all melt and mingle together for about 30 minutes on low. This is where the soup becomes velvety and rich.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper. Potatoes can be bland if under-seasoned, so don’t be shy—adjust to taste!
• Meanwhile, cook up that bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Drain on a paper towel and crumble it up for topping.
• Ladle the soup into big cozy bowls and go crazy with your favorite toppings—bacon, sour cream, green onions, more cheese… whatever your heart desires.

Notes

• For a shortcut version, use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns.
• Add the dairy only at the end to avoid curdling or separation.
• Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
• Stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for extra tangy richness.
• This soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out when reheating.
• Crumbled cooked sausage can be a delicious swap or addition to bacon.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 14g

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Let’s Talk Tips: How to Make This Crockpot Potato Soup Even Better

If this is your first time making potato soup in the crockpot, don’t worry—it’s super simple. But here are a few extra pointers to help you make it absolutely incredible:

• Use starchy potatoes like Russets
  Russet potatoes break down beautifully in the crockpot and help thicken the soup naturally.
• Blend to your preferred texture
  I love using an immersion blender right in the crockpot for an ultra-creamy texture. But if you like a bit of chunk, just blend half and leave the rest as is.
• Add the dairy at the end
  Don’t toss in the cream cheese or shredded cheddar at the beginning—it can curdle. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it melts smoothly into the soup.
• Crispy bacon > soggy bacon
  Cook your bacon separately and only stir it in right before serving (or better yet, sprinkle on top for that crispy, salty contrast).
• Taste and season before serving
  Potatoes soak up a lot of salt. Make sure to give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before dishing it up.
• Serve it “loaded” bar-style
  Let everyone add their own toppings: chives, sour cream, extra cheese, crumbled bacon, hot sauce, or even a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.

Switch It Up: Delicious Variants of This Recipe

One of the best things about potato soup is how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just feeling adventurous, here are some fun twists on the classic loaded version:

1. Vegetarian Loaded Potato Soup

Skip the bacon and opt for veggie broth to make a meat-free version. You can amp up the flavor with a smoky paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. Top it with crispy sautéed mushrooms for that savory bite.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Potato Soup

Add 1–2 diced jalapeños (seeded if you want less heat) to the soup during cooking, and stir in a bit of pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar. Finish with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.

3. Hash Brown Shortcut Version

Out of fresh potatoes? No problem. Use frozen shredded hash browns instead! It cuts your prep time down to almost nothing. Check out this hash brown potato soup crockpot version if you want that shortcut path to creamy heaven.

4. Broccoli & Cheddar Potato Soup

For a veggie boost, stir in a couple of cups of finely chopped broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking. It pairs beautifully with cheddar and turns this into a full-on comfort bowl.

5. Loaded Sweet Potato Soup

Swap half or all of the Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a more earthy, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a colorful and nutrient-rich alternative that still feels indulgent.

How to Serve It: Bring on the Toppings and Sides

This soup is all about the toppings, and I recommend setting up a little “loaded soup bar” if you’re serving a group. Here’s how I love to serve it:

• Toppings bar: Crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped chives, crispy fried onions, hot sauce, or even diced avocado.
• With crusty bread: A warm sourdough or garlic bread for dunking is chef’s kiss.
• As a side: Pair it with a crisp green salad or even a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

And if you’re planning a crockpot-themed gathering, this soup pairs perfectly with crockpot buffalo chicken dip or a warm mug of crockpot hot chocolate. Yes, we’re going full comfort mode.

Leftovers? Here’s How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro

Let’s be honest—leftover potato soup is almost better the next day. It thickens up and the flavors deepen beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and fabulous:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it, but because of the dairy, it may separate slightly. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Stir constantly to prevent scorching.

Get Creative: Fun Ways to Use Leftover Potato Soup

Don’t let a single drop go to waste. Here are a few fun and unexpected ways to use your leftover crockpot potato soup:

• Potato Soup Casserole: Pour leftovers into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a second-day makeover.
• Shepherd’s Pie Twist: Use it as a creamy layer over ground beef and veggies for a rustic shepherd’s pie base.
• Loaded Potato Dip: Warm and serve thickened soup in a bowl with chips or toasted baguette slices for a dip-style appetizer.
• Pasta Sauce Base: Stir into cooked pasta for a surprisingly delicious (and creamy!) loaded mac-and-cheese-style dish.

FAQs About Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup Recipe

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup style that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, an easy meal-prep lunch, or a crowd-pleasing comfort dish, this recipe checks all the boxes.

If you loved this, don’t forget to check out this classic potato soup recipe or cozy up with a mug of crockpot hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort food night.

Try it, love it, and let me know how it goes! Drop a comment, leave a review, or tag me on social media with your loaded creations. I’d love to see your toppings!