SLOW COOKER BACON POTATO SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• 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.
• Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, mix onion, potatoes, celery, broth, salt and pepper.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 6 to 7 hours.
• 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.

Steps:

• Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Heat 12-inch skillet over medium heat; cook bacon 10 to 15 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Crumble 3 slices of the bacon; cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Crumble remaining 3 slices, and transfer to slow cooker.
• Pour all but 1 tablespoon bacon drippings out of skillet. Add onion to skillet; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Transfer onion mixture to slow cooker. Stir in broth, potatoes and ranch dressing mix.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 5 to 6 hours or until bubbly and potatoes are tender.
• Increase heat setting to High; stir in whipping cream. In small bowl, beat cornstarch and water with whisk. Beat cornstarch mixture into soup; cover and cook about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Add Kraft™ Velveeta™ cheese to slow cooker; stir until melted. Add 1 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese; stir until melted. Serve soup with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese and reserved crumbled bacon.