Why the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup Is Great Crockpot Recipe
When you’re looking for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself, the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup stands out as a fantastic option.
I love how I can toss everything in my Crockpot, set the timer, and forget about it until dinner. The aroma fills my home, making it feel cozy and inviting.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can customize it with different toppings or spices to suit your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, and it warms you from the inside out.
Honestly, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe in your rotation!
Ingredients of Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
When it comes to making a hearty and delicious soup like the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, having the right ingredients is key. This dish isn’t only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare. Just imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, savory smells wafting through your kitchen.
You’ll definitely want to gather these ingredients beforehand so you can whip this up without a hitch.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb bulk pork sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 5 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño pepper (about 4 ounces)
- 1 small red sweet pepper, chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed Fiesta nacho cheese soup
- 1/4 cup water
- Additional shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño pepper for topping
- Thinly sliced fresh jalapeño for garnish
- Salsa and/or dairy sour cream, for serving
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients a bit more. If you’re not a fan of pork sausage, you could easily swap it for turkey sausage or even a plant-based option.
And the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Want to add some extra veggies? Toss in some spinach or even corn for a pop of sweetness. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties if Monterey Jack with jalapeño isn’t your thing—sharp cheddar can be a game-changer too.
Just remember, the key is to have fun and make it your own!
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Making the Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup is a delightful journey, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. First, you’ll want to grab 1 lb of bulk pork sausage and 1/2 cup of chopped onion—about one medium onion will do just fine.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and toss those two together. As the sausage sizzles and the onion softens, you’ll get that wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen. It’s like a warm hug for your senses. Once the sausage is browned and the onion is tender, drain off any excess fat. That’s right, we want flavor, not grease.
Now, let’s move on to the slow cooker. If you have a plastic slow cooker liner, this is the time to use it. It’ll save you from a messy cleanup later, and who doesn’t want that?
In your slow cooker, combine that beautifully cooked sausage and onion with 5 cups of frozen diced hash brown potatoes, 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño pepper, a chopped small red sweet pepper, and a 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms. It’s like a colorful party in there!
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) of condensed Fiesta nacho cheese soup with 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Pour this cheesy goodness over the hash brown mixture and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Now, cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. You can set it on low for 8 to 9 hours or high for 4 to 4.5 hours. This means you can go about your day—work, errands, or even binge-watching your favorite show—knowing that dinner is taken care of.
When it’s finally time to serve, give it a good stir. If you’re feeling fancy, top it off with some extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño, a sprinkle of thinly sliced fresh jalapeño, and maybe a dollop of salsa or sour cream. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family? They’ll think you’re a culinary genius. How’s that for a cozy dinner?
Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious bowl of Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup while sticking to a low-carb diet, there are plenty of tasty substitutions and variations you can try.
Swap out the hash browns for riced cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbs considerably. Instead of the condensed Fiesta nacho cheese soup, use a homemade cheese sauce made with cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
You can also replace the sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Finally, top your soup with avocado, crispy bacon, or extra cheese for that satisfying loaded flavor without the carbs.
Enjoy!
What to Serve with Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
While enjoying a warm bowl of Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
A light Caesar salad adds a nice crunch, and the creamy dressing complements the soup perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread or homemade biscuits can elevate the meal.
You could also serve some pickled jalapeños on the side for those who want an extra kick.
Pairing with a light, invigorating beverage like iced tea or lemonade rounds out this comforting experience beautifully.
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
Enjoying a hearty bowl of Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your calorie goals. To lighten it up, I often swap out the sausage for turkey sausage or even a plant-based alternative.
Using low-fat cheese or reducing the amount can also help keep calories in check. I love adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini to bulk it up without adding too many calories.
Finally, I skip the sour cream and opt for a dollop of Greek yogurt instead. These simple adjustments let me savor every spoonful guilt-free!