Loaded Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe

The Creamiest Loaded Baked Potato Soup Crock Pot Recipe You’ll Ever Try (With a Secret Cream Cheese Twist!)

There’s something magical about coming home after a long day to the aroma of soup simmering away in the kitchen. This is especially true during the crisp days of fall or the chilly nights of winter. For me, the magic is in the little details — the smell of bacon crisping, the steam fogging up the kitchen windows, and the first taste of something creamy and hearty that warms you from the inside out.

This loaded baked potato soup crock pot with cream cheese recipe has been a family favorite for years. It’s the perfect combination of easy preparation, hearty comfort, and irresistible flavor. Plus, my little secret cream cheese twist makes it so luxuriously creamy that it could easily pass for something from a gourmet café — without you having to stand over a stove for hours.

And yes, I have tried dozens of potato soup recipes over the years — some stovetop, some Instant Pot, some ultra-fancy — but this one? It checks all the boxes: easy, freezer-friendly with frozen hashbrowns, adaptable for gluten free and dairy free diets, and truly the best for cozy fall and winter dinners.

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Why You’ll Love This Soup

Here’s why I think you’re going to fall in love with this recipe — just like I did:

• Effortless — Just toss the ingredients into your crock pot and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Versatile — Can easily be made gluten free or dairy free.
• Convenient — Uses frozen hashbrowns instead of peeling and dicing potatoes.
• Healthy(ish) — You can lighten it up with low-fat dairy or plant-based cream cheese without losing creaminess.
• Perfect Comfort Food — Rich, hearty, and satisfying, this soup is the ultimate cold-weather dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns (no need to thaw)
• 4 cups chicken broth (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed (use dairy-free for dairy-free version)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional; use dairy-free cheese if preferred)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
• ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Slow Cooker Method)

1. Prep Your Crock Pot

Spray the inside of your slow cooker lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.

2. Add the Base Ingredients

Place the frozen hashbrowns directly into the crock pot. Add chicken broth, water, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it a quick stir to combine.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors are well blended.

4. The Secret Cream Cheese Twist

About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar (if using). Stir until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens — the soup transforms into a velvety, rich bowl of comfort.

5. Add Bacon and Garnish

Stir in most of the cooked bacon, saving some for the top. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Results

• Frozen vs. Fresh Potatoes: I’ve tested both, and frozen hashbrowns win for convenience without compromising flavor.
• Preventing Curdling: Always add cream cheese towards the end of cooking. Adding it too early can cause separation.
• Make it Healthier: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, plant-based milk, or even blended cauliflower for part of the potatoes.
• Flavor Boost: A dash of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat.

Amazon Kitchen Favorites to Make This Recipe Even Easier

Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right tools makes all the difference in the kitchen. Here are three of my go-to products that make this recipe a breeze:

1. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker

I’ve been using mine for nearly a decade, and it’s still going strong. The 7-quart size is perfect for family-sized soups like this one. The simple manual settings make it foolproof.

Check it out on Amazon here and make every fall and winter dinner effortless.

2. OXO Good Grips Garlic Press

This sturdy garlic press saves me so much time when prepping fresh garlic for soups and stews. No peeling required, and it cleans easily.

Get yours on Amazon for quick, fresh flavor in every dish.

3. Cuisinart Immersion Hand Blender

Want your potato soup extra smooth? An immersion blender lets you blend directly in the crock pot without extra dishes. It’s also great for sauces and smoothies.

See it on Amazon here and enjoy creamy soups all year long.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten Free

This recipe is naturally gluten free if you use a gluten-free chicken broth and ensure your bacon and cream cheese are labeled gluten free.

Dairy Free

Use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free shredded cheddar, and coconut or almond milk for extra creaminess. I promise, you won’t miss the dairy!

Healthy Twist

Swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt (added at the end off-heat) for extra protein and fewer calories.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months (leave out dairy until reheating for best texture).
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave in short bursts.

What to Serve With Loaded Baked Potato Soup

• Fresh Bread: Crusty French bread or homemade dinner rolls.

• Salads: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette.
• Roasted Veggies: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus.

Final Thoughts

When I say this is the best loaded baked potato soup crock pot with cream cheese recipe, I mean it. Every spoonful is pure comfort — creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, tangy cream cheese, and just enough seasoning to keep you coming back for more.

Whether you make it for a cozy fall evening, a hearty winter dinner, or a comforting lunch, this slow cooker soup will quickly become a household favorite. So grab your crock pot, your favorite spoon, and get ready to fall in love with the easiest, creamiest potato soup you’ll ever make.