Slow Cooker Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder is the epitome of comfort in a bowl, a rich and creamy soup that simmers to perfection while filling your home with an irresistible aroma. This chowder builds layers of flavor starting with crispy bacon, whose rendered fat then sauté onions and garlic to create a savory foundation. The potatoes slowly cook in a seasoned chicken broth until they become melt-in-your-mouth tender, at which point they’re partially mashed to create a naturally thickened, velvety base. The final additions of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese transform the broth into a luxuriously smooth and indulgent soup, while the bacon returns as a garnish to provide welcome crunch and salty contrast. This is the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that comforts from the inside out, perfect for chilly days when you crave something both nourishing and decadent.
The genius of this chowder lies in its slow-cooked development and thoughtful finishing steps. Cooking the bacon first and using its drippings to sauté the aromatics ensures every spoonful carries that essential smoky essence. The long, gentle simmering allows the potatoes to break down just enough to thicken the chowder naturally when partially mashed, eliminating the need for flour or other thickeners. Adding the dairy components at the end preserves their texture and prevents the cream from curdling or the cheese from becoming stringy. What makes this recipe particularly special is its flexibility—it can cook all day while you’re away, ready to be finished when you return. Whether served as a complete meal with crusty bread or as a starter for a larger dinner, this chowder delivers restaurant-quality richness with the effortless convenience of slow cooker cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, rich, and satisfying with familiar, beloved flavors
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Mostly hands-off cooking with incredible results
• Crowd-Pleasing: A family-friendly recipe that appeals to all ages
• Perfect Texture: Creamy base with tender potato chunks and crispy bacon
Ingredients:
• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5-6 large potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook Bacon and Aromatics
• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving the drippings in the skillet.
• Add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Assemble in Slow Cooker
• Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Thicken Chowder
• Once potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to slightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until the chowder reaches your desired consistency.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
• Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
• Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon and fresh parsley.
Tips:
• Bacon Preparation: Partially freeze bacon for easier dicing
• Potato Selection: Russet potatoes create a thicker chowder, Yukon Golds yield a creamier texture
• Mashing Technique: For a chunkier chowder, mash lightly; for smoother, mash more thoroughly
• Make Ahead: Complete through step 3, then refrigerate and finish with steps 4-5 when ready to serve
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently
• Freezing: Freeze before adding dairy components; add fresh cream and cheese when reheating
Slow Cooker Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, smoky bacon essence, and cheesy richness make it a perennial favorite that will warm you through and through.
