Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. You don’t need to worry about making them perfectly uniform, but try to keep them relatively the same size so they cook evenly. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

#### Step 2: Load Up the Crock Pot
Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to combine.

#### Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and cook on **low** for 6-7 hours or on **high** for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potato cubes and the temperature of your crock pot.

#### Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the crock pot. You can mash them as much or as little as you prefer—leave some chunks for texture, or mash it completely smooth for a creamier consistency. If you like a slightly thicker soup, mash the potatoes until about half of them are broken down.

#### Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter soup) to make the soup rich and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes even creamier.

#### Step 6: Add the Sour Cream and Bacon
Add the sour cream to the soup and stir well to incorporate it. This adds a bit of tanginess and smoothness to the soup. Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon, reserving a small amount for garnishing the soup when you serve it.

#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and a few green onions for freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

### Tips for the Best Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup:

– **Customize the Toppings:** You can make this soup your own by adding different toppings such as crispy fried onions, a drizzle of ranch dressing, or a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of spice.
– **Make It Vegetarian:** For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some extra veggies like broccoli or cauliflower for added texture and nutrition.
– **Make It Extra Creamy:** If you love extra creaminess, try adding some cream cheese or a bit more heavy cream. A little splash of milk can also help reach your preferred soup consistency.
– **Use Other Potatoes:** While russet potatoes are ideal for this soup, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture. Yukon Golds will make the soup a bit smoother.

### Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup:
– **Minimal Prep:** This soup is easy to prepare, with just a few ingredients that you throw into the crock pot. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time for complicated recipes.
– **Comforting and Hearty:** The combination of creamy potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and bacon makes this soup incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a cold evening.
– **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the flavor and texture of the soup to your liking, from adding more cream to changing up the toppings.
– **Perfect for Leftovers:** This soup makes great leftovers! It’s even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together, and you can reheat it easily.

### Conclusion:
**Crock Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup** is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this soup brings together all the best parts of a loaded baked potato in a rich, creamy soup form. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a flavorful, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!