Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups chicken stock
• ½ onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Place potatoes into a 4-qt slow cooker. Stir in chicken stock, onion, garlic, thyme, butter and bacon until well combined.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
4. Using a potato masher, mash potatoes until desired consistency is reached. Stir in cheese, sour cream and heavy cream until smooth; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Cover and cook on low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more chicken stock as needed until desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve immediately.