Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Ham, Bacon & Potato Soup perfect for chilly days. This creamy soup combines tender potatoes, savory ham, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, slow-cooked to develop deep flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 5 Russett Potatoes, cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots (about 10 baby carrots cut)
Meats
- 1 lb thick cut bacon
- 1 lb ham cubes
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Spices & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy. This step renders the bacon fat and adds a smoky flavor to the soup.
- Drain Bacon: Transfer the cooked bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the slow cooker, add the cubed potatoes, diced onion, sliced carrots, ham cubes, cooked bacon, chicken broth, and parsley.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir all the ingredients well to evenly distribute the bacon, ham, and vegetables throughout the broth.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours until the potatoes and carrots are tender and flavors meld together.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Once cooked, turn off the crockpot and stir in the milk, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Stir well and serve the soup immediately, enjoying the rich, savory flavors and comforting warmth.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot before adding dairy ingredients.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions before serving adds a fresh touch.
- Swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda for a different cheesy flavor profile.
