Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of a warm, creamy soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Our Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup with Bacon Croutons is not just any soup; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! This French-inspired dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only 10 minutes of your time before it simmers away for 6 hours, filling your home with its irresistible scent. With the added crunch of crispy bacon croutons, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready to dive into a bowl of comfort? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Peel the potatoes and dice them into small, even cubes. Rinse the leeks thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit, then slice them into thin rounds.
- In a slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, sliced leeks, and vegetable broth. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember that the broth may already contain some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust later.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the potatoes to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the potatoes for tenderness. They should be soft and easily mashable. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup.
- Once blended, stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a rich and creamy texture. Taste the soup again and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- While the soup is finishing, prepare the bacon croutons. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- To serve, ladle the hot potato leek soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Potato Leek Soup with Bacon Croutons, a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Take your time when peeling and dicing the potatoes, and make sure to rinse the leeks thoroughly to remove any hidden grit. This will ensure a smooth and flavorful soup.
- Flavor Adjustment: Since vegetable broth can vary in saltiness, start with a small amount of salt and taste the soup before serving. You can always add more, but it's hard to take it out!
- Blending Options: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree the entire soup. If you prefer a chunkier style, blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as is.
- Crispy Bacon: To achieve perfectly crispy bacon croutons, cook them over medium heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. This will give you that delightful crunch when sprinkled on top of the soup.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also elevate the presentation and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
