Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup
In the middle of winter, when fresh vegetables are more expensive in the grocery stores in Canada, I like to rely on recipes like this soup to help stretch that food budget. I grow my own potatoes and garlic, and because they store so well in the winter, in February I can use them in this easy slow cooker meal. Treat this soup as you would a loaded baked potato in the summer. So, when the soup is done, load it up with your favourite toppings. Get the kids involved in the choices, and you will have a winner dinner every time!
Equipment
- 6-litre slow cooker
- Box grater
Ingredients
Cook these ingredients first in the slow cooker on high for 3½-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours:
- 3 lbs potatoes scrubbed and peeled if desired and then diced. (I like to use russets or Yukon gold but any potato will do.)
- 4½ cups chicken broth sodium reduced is preferred.
- 1 bell pepper seeded and diced. You can substitute a red poblano pepper for smoky heat if desired.
- 2-3 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tsp salt
Next whisk together these ingredients and add to slow cooker:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
10 minutes prior to serving add:
- 6 cups broccoli florets Note if you only have 4 cups that is fine. Also if you want you can substitute cauliflower for some of the broccoli.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Cheese and toppings:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese divided-one cup for adding to the soup just before serving and one for serving.
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 8 green onions thinly sliced
- 6 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- optional ingredient: sauteed mushrooms
Instructions
- In a 5-6-litre slow cooker combine the first five ingredients. Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or on high 3½-4 hours.Â
- If using low, turn to high. In a small bowl whisk, together cream and flour; stir into cooker. Cover and cook 20 minutes.Â
- Stir in the broccoli and black pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes more or until broccoli is tender and soup is thickened.
- Turnoff the slow cooker and stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until melted. Season to taste with additional salt.
- Top servings with remaining cheddar cheese, the sour cream, green onions, and bacon.Â
Nutrition
Calories: 427kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 665mgPotassium: 1186mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1533IUVitamin C: 114mgCalcium: 299mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!