Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Chowder is a comforting, creamy soup filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal, and using the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious chowder:
Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or substitute with turkey bacon)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients:
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes for faster cooking. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into pieces and set aside.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
- In your slow cooker, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the chowder:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Mash the potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are cooked and tender, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the chowder while still leaving some potato chunks for texture. You can mash more or less depending on your preference.
5. Add cream and cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the chowder is creamy and smooth.
6. Add bacon:
- Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a little to sprinkle on top when serving.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips:
- Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Thickness: If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash more of the potatoes. For a thinner consistency, you can add extra chicken broth or cream.
- Add-ins: Try adding vegetables like corn or carrots for added flavor and texture.
This Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Chowder is perfect for chilly days, offering rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Simply set it up in the morning, and come home to a warm, hearty meal!