Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, cook the beef bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble into pieces. Set aside.
- Place the frozen hash brown cubes into the bottom of a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and about three-quarters of the crumbled beef bacon (reserve the remainder for topping) to the slow cooker.
- Mix everything together until evenly combined, then cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (saving the rest for garnish), the cubed cream cheese, and the heavy cream. Stir to incorporate.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until both cheeses are fully melted, stirring from time to time. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topped with the reserved beef bacon, remaining cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions or chives.
Nutrition
Notes
This potato soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats easily on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of chicken broth if it thickens in storage. The recipe can be cut in half for a smaller batch, or use pork bacon if you prefer. Crusty bread or a green salad make great accompaniments. For best results, use room-temperature cream cheese to help it blend smoothly, and avoid freezing leftovers as the texture may become grainy upon thawing. No need to thaw the potatoes; add them straight from the freezer.
