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## **Instructions:**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
– Peel and dice the **potatoes** into bite-sized pieces.
– Chop the **onion** and **mince the garlic**.
### **Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker**
– In the slow cooker, add the **diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth**.
– Season with **salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley**. Stir to combine.
### **Step 3: Cook Low and Slow**
– Cover and cook on **LOW for 6-7 hours** or **HIGH for 3-4 hours**, until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
### **Step 4: Make It Creamy**
– Once the potatoes are cooked, use a **potato masher** to mash about half of the potatoes in the soup, leaving some chunks for texture.
– Add the **half-and-half (or heavy cream)** and stir well. For an even creamier texture, you can add **shredded cheddar cheese** at this point. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
### **Step 5: Add the Bacon**
– Stir in the **crumbled bacon**, and let the soup cook for another **10-15 minutes**.
### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **chopped green onions** and extra **bacon bits** if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a salad for a complete meal!
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## **Tips & Variations:**
🥓 **Extra Bacon** – You can never go wrong with more crispy bacon! Feel free to **double the bacon** for an extra savory bite.
🧀 **Cheese Lovers** – Add a **mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan** for a cheesy twist.
🌶 **Spicy Kick** – Add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or **jalapeños** for a little heat.
🥔 **Different Potatoes** – You can swap the russet potatoes for **Yukon Golds** or **red potatoes** for a slightly different texture.
🍄 **Vegetarian Version** – Skip the bacon and use **vegetable broth** for a vegetarian-friendly option.
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## **What to Serve with Creamy Potato Bacon Soup**
🍞 **Crusty Bread** – Perfect for dipping! A hearty baguette or sourdough works wonderfully.
🥗 **Fresh Salad** – A light **green salad** with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the soup.
🥒 **Pickles or Veggies** – For an extra crunch and acidity, serve with **pickles** or a side of **crispy vegetables**.
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## **Storage & Reheating**
– **Refrigerator:** Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to **4 days**.
– **Freezer:** You can freeze this soup for up to **3 months**. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing. When reheating, add a little extra cream or broth if it’s too thick.
– **Reheat:** Warm on the stovetop over **medium heat**, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary, until heated through.
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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup** is the ultimate **comfort food**. It’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor with just the right amount of richness. The slow cooker makes it so easy to prepare, and the **bacon** gives it that extra touch of **smoky goodness** that everyone loves. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a chilly evening, a family gathering, or meal prep for the week!
### **Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments!** 🍲🥓🍞
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