Slow-Cooker Creamy Mashed Potato Soup with Smoked Bacon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-24 · Updated 2026-04-24

A hearty, velvety soup made with tender potatoes and smoky bacon, perfect for cozy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work for minimal effort. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 200 minutes pairs chopped smoked bacon, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Ingredients

• 2 large, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes russet potatoes
• 6 slices, chopped smoked bacon
• 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place chopped bacon in the slow cooker and cook on high for 5 minutes until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tbsp bacon fat in the pot.
2. Step 2: Add diced potatoes, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours until potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Step 3: Remove 1 cup of the potato mixture with a slotted spoon and blend until smooth in a small bowl. Return the puree to the slow cooker and stir in heavy cream. Cook uncovered on low for 20 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.