Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook in the reserved drippings for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the potatoes, onion mixture, chicken broth, salt, pepper, parsley, and smoked paprika to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
- Use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the potatoes in the crock pot for a thicker texture, leaving plenty of chunks.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth, then add the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk. Mix well.
- Cover and cook for 15 to 20 more minutes on LOW, just until heated through. Do not let the soup boil after adding the dairy.
- Ladle into bowls and top with the cooked bacon, extra cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash more of the potatoes before adding the dairy. If you prefer a lighter texture, add a little extra milk as needed. Avoid boiling after adding cream cheese, sour cream, and milk to prevent curdling.
