Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly day—and this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup delivers that cozy satisfaction in every bite. With tender chunks of hearty potatoes, crispy savory bacon, and a velvety blend of half-and-half and evaporated milk, this dish is a guaranteed favorite in your cold-weather recipe rotation. Let your slow cooker do the work while you reap the rewards of a rich, indulgent soup that’s easy to make and hard to resist.

This soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the warm, savory aroma of simmering potatoes, smoky bacon, and herbs floating in the air. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel instantly at home, from kids to grandparents. Perfect for busy families, chilly evenings, potlucks, or cozy nights in front of the fireplace, this recipe combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor in one delicious bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation with the slow cooker—minimal hands-on time and maximum reward.
Rich, creamy texture thanks to half-and-half and evaporated milk—decadent without being overly heavy.
Comforting and satisfying—a crowd-pleaser that warms you from the inside out.
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals, perfect for batch cooking and easy lunches later in the week.
Customizable to your family’s taste—add veggies, cheese, herbs, or swap the bacon for turkey bacon or ham.
Budget-friendly with accessible ingredients that make a large, hearty batch.

Ingredients and Their Purpose

This soup is built on simple, everyday ingredients—each playing an important role in building deep flavor and irresistible texture:

6 slices bacon – Adds smoky, salty richness and a touch of crunch. You can use regular or thick-cut for deeper flavor.
1 medium onion, finely chopped – Onions provide a mild sweetness and aromatic base that enhances the broth’s flavor.
2 cans (10.5 oz) condensed chicken broth – A rich, flavorful base that carries the other ingredients beautifully.
2 cups water – Helps create the right balance of liquid to solids, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly.
5 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced – Russets are ideal here—they break down slightly to help naturally thicken the soup while still leaving tender chunks.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
½ teaspoon dried dill weed – Provides a gentle herbal freshness that contrasts the richness of the dairy.
½ teaspoon ground white pepper – Milder and more subtle than black pepper, blending seamlessly into creamy dishes.
½ cup all-purpose flour – Used to thicken the soup, creating a luxurious consistency.
2 cups half-and-half – Contributes a rich and creamy texture without overwhelming the flavor.
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk – Adds a depth of creamy flavor with a bit of sweetness, and it’s shelf-stable for easy pantry storage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bacon and onion:
In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon (cut into ½-inch pieces) until it’s browned and crispy. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. This step builds the flavor base. Drain off excess grease for a lighter soup.
Transfer to the slow cooker:
Move the cooked bacon and onions into your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir in the diced potatoes, salt, dill weed, and white pepper. Mix everything well so the flavors are evenly distributed. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to Low for 6 to 7 hours.
Thicken the soup:
About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together flour and half-and-half in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the slow cooker, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Add the evaporated milk and stir gently to incorporate.
Final simmer:
Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on Low for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the soup will thicken and take on a velvety, creamy texture.
Final touches and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—perhaps a bit more salt or pepper. Serve piping hot in bowls, garnished with extra bacon bits, cheese, chives, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for ideal texture. Russets break down a bit for creaminess; Yukon golds hold their shape better if preferred.
Don’t rush the slow cooking—the long, low simmer develops deeper flavor and the best texture.
For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Add a vegetable boost: Stir in diced carrots, celery, or corn kernels for more color, sweetness, and nutrition.
Want it extra thick? Lightly mash some of the cooked potatoes with a fork or potato masher right in the slow cooker before adding the flour mixture.
Make it cheesy: Stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar or gouda for an ultra-comforting cheesy version.
Store leftovers in airtight containers. Soup thickens as it sits—just thin with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your soup with a warm loaf of crusty artisan bread, cheddar biscuits, or buttered garlic toast.
For a classic diner-style meal, serve it in a bread bowl and top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Balance the richness with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or lemon juice for brightness.
This soup also makes a great starter course before a simple meat-and-potatoes entrée.

Why This Recipe Works

This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is more than the sum of its parts. The slow cooking process breaks down the starch in the potatoes just enough to naturally thicken the soup while keeping the bite of each cube tender and satisfying. The bacon lends that unmistakable smoky-salty essence, and the half-and-half plus evaporated milk combo ensures creaminess without becoming too rich or cloying. It’s an ideal harmony of textures and flavors.

And the best part? It’s incredibly forgiving. Forgot to sauté the onion? No problem. Want to swap in turkey bacon? Go for it. Want a vegetarian version? Just skip the bacon, use vegetable broth, and load up on veggies like corn, mushrooms, and broccoli. The base of this soup is endlessly adaptable, yet always delicious.

Conclusion: The Best Potato Soup You’ll Ever Make

Whether you’re serving a big family or just yourself, this Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a soul-satisfying recipe worth keeping on repeat. It brings together all the best qualities of comfort food—warmth, ease, richness, and joy. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, how delicious it smells while cooking, and most importantly—how incredible it tastes in every single spoonful.

Make a batch this week, and you’ll see why this recipe is so beloved. Your house will smell like heaven, your belly will be full, and your heart just a little happier. Because sometimes, the best things in life really do come in a bowl.