Name: Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups cooked bacon, chopped and divided; 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen diced potatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 1 (1-ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix; ½ teaspoon pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving; 1 cup half and half; Green onion, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 24 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy comfort food to warm you up on a chilly day, this Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe will absolutely blow you away. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors you love—bacon, cheese, and hearty potatoes all slow-cooked to perfection. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a regular on your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Toss everything in your crock pot and let it do the work—no babysitting needed.
Rich & Creamy Texture: The cream cheese and half and half make this soup silky smooth without being too heavy.
Flavor Explosion: With bacon, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and spices, every spoonful is packed with savory goodness.
Super Flexible: Easy to customize if you want it spicier, dairy-free, or loaded with extra veggies.

Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup, easy bacon potato soup, creamy slow cooker potato soup, comforting bacon potato chowder, hearty potato and bacon soup - A close-up view of a white speckled bowl filled with creamy, thick mashed potatoes that have a smooth texture with small lumps. The mashed potatoes are topped with bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese, dark brown crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions scattered evenly. The surface is sprinkled with black pepper, adding tiny black dots across the top. A gold spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl with some mashed potatoes on it. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded dark green cloth partly visible underneath, and a small wooden bowl filled with green onions is nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe is all about comforting, familiar ingredients that blend effortlessly to create a hearty, satisfying bowl. Each component adds depth and creaminess while the ranch seasoning gives it that nostalgic kick—your taste buds will thank you!

Cooked Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and a nice crunch as garnish; buy a good quality thick-cut for best texture.
Frozen Diced Potatoes: Convenient and perfect for slow cooking because they hold their shape well, no peeling required.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together—homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work great.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy richness and depth, plus it helps thicken the soup without extra fuss.
Cream Cheese: Gives that luscious, velvety texture, so don’t skip softening it before adding.
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: The secret flavor booster that spices things up with onion, garlic, and herbs.
Pepper & Onion Powder: Additional seasoning for balanced, savory notes.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into creamy goodness and adds a savory tang—grate it fresh if you can.
Half and Half: Lightens the soup just a bit while keeping the richness intact.
Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite to finish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it truly your own. I often swap out the ranch mix for a smoky chipotle seasoning to add a little kick, but you can customize it to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Vegetarian Variation: Try using vegetable broth and skip bacon or use smoky tempeh bits instead—I’ve done this when hosting friends with different diets and everyone loved it.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some corn or peas about 30 minutes before the soup is done for added texture and nutrition.
Make it Spicy: A pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce stirred in at the end amps up the flavor in a way that really wakes up the palate.
Low Carb: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets if you want to keep it lighter but still creamy and satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load Your Crock Pot with Flavor

Start by combining the frozen diced potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese right into your 6-quart slow cooker. Don’t forget to soften the cream cheese first—it’ll melt more evenly and help thicken the soup nicely. Stir in the dry ranch dressing mix, pepper, onion powder, and just a cup of that crispy cooked bacon to spread the smoky flavor throughout. Give everything a good stir to combine before covering.

Step 2: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Set your crock pot to LOW and let it work its magic for 5 to 6 hours. This slow simmer allows the potatoes to soften perfectly and all the flavors to marry beautifully. If you’re short on time, HIGH for 2 to 3 hours also works but I personally find that low and slow produces a creamier texture.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Cream

About 15 minutes before serving, give the soup a good stir to help integrate the cream cheese fully. Pour in the half and half and sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it warm just until the cheese melts—this step is what turns an already luscious soup into something downright indulgent.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Serve the soup hot, garnished with the remaining crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheddar, and a generous sprinkle of chopped green onion. These simple toppings add texture, fresh flavor, and that beautiful pop of color you want on your winter table.

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe

Soften Cream Cheese Before Adding: Leaving cream cheese cubed and cold can cause lumps; I usually let it sit at room temp while prepping other ingredients.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better in slow cooking and adds a satisfying crunch when sprinkled on top.
Stir Before Adding Cheese: Mixing the soup before melting the cheddar ensures even distribution and avoids clumping.
Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Keep an eye on timing; overcooked potatoes can become too mushy and affect texture.

How to Serve Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding extra crispy bacon on top for crunch and flavor, along with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese because melted cheese is just heaven on soup. A handful of chopped green onions adds freshness and a touch of color, but sour cream also makes a lovely creamy garnish if you want to switch it up.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. For extra comfort, cheesy garlic mashed potatoes or roasted veggies also complement well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls—hollowed-out dinner rolls or sourdough rounds make charming edible bowls. It’s a fun twist that elevates the presentation and gets guests excited before the first spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Give it a good stir before reheating because some separation can happen—a quick swirl will bring back creaminess.

Freezing

You can freeze Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe, but keep in mind the texture of cooked potatoes might change slightly after thawing. I usually freeze single portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to bring everything back together smoothly. Adding a splash of milk or half and half during reheating helps refresh the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen diced potatoes?

Absolutely! Fresh potatoes will work great, but you’ll want to dice them evenly to ensure they cook thoroughly during the slow cook time. Depending on the size of your dice, fresh potatoes might need a bit longer cooking time, so keep an eye on the texture.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this soup?

Yes! Substitute the cream cheese and half and half with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese for melting, and make sure your ranch seasoning is dairy-free as well.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?

You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge, then simply combine and cook in the crock pot the next day. The soup itself tastes even better the day after cooking once the flavors meld together.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If your soup thickens more than you like, just stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk while reheating until you reach your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Bacon Potato Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone together around the table with its warm, hearty flavors and creamy texture. I’ve made it countless times when friends drop by or when I need a comforting meal with minimal fuss—and it never disappoints. Give this recipe a try, tweak it your way, and enjoy the cozy satisfaction that only a bowl of rich bacon potato soup can deliver. You’re going to love it!