Cheesy Potato Soup in the Slow Cooker

Submitted by Chef #1800342839

"Added flavor from cooking onion in bacon fat first then adding all to crock pot"

 

• Ready In: 6hrs 10mins
• Ingredients: 10
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 1⁄2 cups chopped onions
• 5 cups diced peeled russet potatoes or 5 medium russet potatoes
• 1 medium stalk celery, chopped or 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 (32 ounce) carton chicken broth or 4 cups chicken broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups half-and-half (I used half skim milk and half whipping cream)
• 1 (8 ounce) bag shredded cheddar cheese (I used kraft with with a touch of cream cheese next time might try Shredded Velveeta)

directions

1. In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crispy. Remove from skillet, reserving fat in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towel, then refrigerate. In same skillet, cook onion in bacon fat over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender.
2. Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix onion, potatoes, celery, broth, salt and pepper.
3. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
4. In small bowl, beat flour and half-and-half with wire whisk until well blended; stir into soup. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook about 30 minutes longer or until thickened. Stir in cheese until well melted. Crumble bacon; sprinkle over soup.