Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Miss F hates potatoes, she doesn't even really enjoy French fries, crazy right? So I dished her a bowl of this soup after an evening of tubing and called it "bacon cheese soup."  She bought it!  And she ate it.  I am not sure where her potato aversion stems from, she didn't eat any of the chunks of potato (does the same thing whenever I make chicken pot pie.)  This will definitely be added into the regular rotation in Colorado, it is hugely satisfying and having it simmer in the crockpot makes it easy. Thanks to Pink Parsley for this fantastic recipe.

Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup

8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons flour
4 cups chicken broth
3 pounds Russet potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces), plus more for serving
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream
salt and pepper

Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and refrigerate until serving. Pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the fat.

Add the onion and cook over medium-high heat until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, an additional minute or so. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until the mixture is starting to thicken, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Stir in the remaining 3 cups of broth, potatoes, ¾ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper into the slow cooker. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, 4 to 6 hours on low (I think it could even go a bit longer than this and be fine).

Transfer 3 cups of cooked potatoes to a medium bowl with the cream and mash until smooth using a potato masher. Return the potatoes to the slow cooker, along with the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir to combine and let the soup sit until heated all the way through, about 10 minutes.

When ready to serve, microwave the bacon on the plate until hot and crispy, about 30 seconds. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon and shredded cheese.

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