Instructions for Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup:

Step 1: Sauté Bacon and Aromatics

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
• In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker

• Transfer the cooked bacon, onions, and garlic into your slow cooker.
• Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Once the potatoes are cooked, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can leave some chunks for texture.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

• Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese into the soup until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the creamy potato bacon soup into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.