The best crockpot soup
The best crockpot soup! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jen L Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 4 hrs | Total: 4 hrs 35 min
Cost: $14.10 total, $2.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb Russet Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 6 slices Bacon (par‑cooked and chopped)
- 2 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 whole Garlic Cloves (peeled)
- 4 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary (minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme (minced)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Peel and cube the potatoes into 1‑inch pieces, chop the par‑cooked bacon, dice the onions, mince the garlic cloves, and measure out all remaining ingredients.
Time: PT15M
Assemble in Crockpot
Layer the cubed potatoes, shredded cheddar block, chopped bacon, diced onions, and whole garlic cloves in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add butter, rosemary, thyme, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4 hours, stirring once halfway through. The potatoes should be fork‑tender and the cheese fully melted.
Time: PT4H
Blend Soup
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the crockpot until smooth, or blend partially for a chunkier texture. Be careful with the hot liquid and keep the blender head submerged.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Dairy, Contains Pork
Allergens: Dairy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Russet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Gouda, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Pancetta
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half (1 cup)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Immersion Blender
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Large Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slow cook the soup on low for 4 hours to develop flavor and ensure potatoes are tender
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender to achieve the desired creamy consistency
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sharp cheddar for the best flavor profile
- Par‑cook the bacon to render excess fat and keep the soup from becoming greasy
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick
- Garnish with a drizzle of extra cream and fresh herbs for restaurant‑style presentation
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Stir in additional chicken broth or milk, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached
Soup is too thin
Add a handful of shredded cheddar or a splash more cream and blend again to thicken
Bacon flavor is weak
Increase bacon to 8 slices or add a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness
Cheese didn’t melt fully
Cover the crockpot for the last 30 minutes to trap heat, or increase the cooking time by 15‑20 minutes
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup can be prepared up to the blending step and refrigerated; blend just before serving
- Freeze the blended soup in portion‑size containers; reheat on low on the stovetop or in the microwave
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup in American comfort food cuisine?
Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup is a classic American comfort dish that emerged in the mid‑20th century, combining staple ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and bacon into a hearty, one‑pot meal. It became especially popular with the rise of slow‑cooker appliances, offering a low‑effort way to create a filling, family‑friendly soup during colder months.
What regional variations of Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, the soup often includes corn and uses cheddar from local dairies. In the South, smoked sausage may replace bacon and a touch of cayenne is added for heat. Some New England versions incorporate cream cheese for extra richness.
How is Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, and sometimes a drizzle of cream. Many families pair it with crusty sour‑dough bread or warm biscuits to soak up the creamy broth.
During what occasions is Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
The soup is a popular choice for casual family dinners, game‑day gatherings, and holiday comfort meals such as Thanksgiving leftovers. Its easy preparation makes it a go‑to for potlucks and winter gatherings.
What makes Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup special compared to other potato soups in American cuisine?
The combination of a whole block of sharp cheddar that melts slowly, plus the richness of heavy cream and the smoky depth of bacon, creates a luxuriously thick and flavorful broth that stands out from simpler, broth‑based potato soups.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, par‑cooked bacon, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, fresh rosemary, thyme, Parmesan, and parsley. Acceptable substitutes are sweet potatoes for a sweeter profile, turkey bacon for a leaner option, vegetable broth for a vegetarian base, and half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream.
What other American dishes pair well with Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup?
It pairs nicely with a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a side of cornbread. For a fuller meal, serve alongside grilled cheese sandwiches or a hearty meatloaf.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the potatoes, which can turn the soup gummy, and adding the cheese too early, causing it to separate. Also, blending while the soup is boiling can cause splatter; let it cool slightly before blending.
Why does this Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup recipe use a slow cooker instead of stovetop simmering?
The slow cooker allows the potatoes to cook gently, preventing them from breaking down too much, and gives the cheese ample time to melt slowly, resulting in a smoother, creamier texture without constant stirring required on the stovetop.
Can I make Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the blending step, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and blend just before serving. For longer storage, freeze the blended soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months; reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of cream if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often featuring one‑pot meals, slow‑cooker techniques, and step‑by‑step video guides that emphasize simplicity and flavor.
How does the YouTube channel Jen L Kitchen's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Jen L Kitchen focuses on minimal‑prep, budget‑friendly dishes that can be made with everyday pantry staples, using clear visual cues and practical tips like ingredient swaps and storage advice, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet techniques or exotic cuisines.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
