Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder Step-by-Step Instructions
To make a bowl of deliciousness, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Cook the Bacon

. Preheat a Large Skillet: Put a large skillet over medium heat.
. Cook: Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes.
. Set Aside: With a slotted spoon, remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess fat.
. Don’t Remove Drippings: Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet; they impart deep flavor to the chowder.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

. Add Some Alliums: Using the same skillet with all that bacon goodness, toss in chopped onion and minced garlic.
. Cook Until Translucent: In a large sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat, then add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker.

Mix together Potatoes and seasonings

. Add the potatoes: Add your peeled and cubed potatoes into your slow cooker.
. Add 4 cups chicken broth. Pour in chicken broth.
. Season: Add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
. Mix all the ingredients and stir to combine.

Slow Cook to Perfection

. Cover and Cook: Add the lid to the slow cooker and set to low.
. Let it cook for 6–8 hours, until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.

Thicken the Chowder

. Smash Some Potatoes Very Gently: After the potatoes have become very tender, use a potato masher to lightly smash some of them right in the slow cooker. This contributes to the chowder thickening up naturally.

Add Cream and Cheese

. Add Heavy Cream: Then add in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well to incorporate.
. Cheddar Cheese: You can shred 1 cup, then stir until melted and chowder is creamy.
. Probably keep cooking: Cut the heat for another 20-30 minutes so everything gets heated through.

Final Touches and Serving

. Add Bacon and Parsley: Right before serving, mix in the cooked bacon and top with parsley.
. Serve Hot: It looks like you are sharing Chowder is served hot. Ladle the chowder and serve it hot, Cheesy Corn Chowder.

Everything you need to know about chowder — and what makes the best kind

Everything to know about chowder — and how to make the best kind

These creative adjustments and cooking tips will have your Slow Cooker Hearty Potato Bacon Chowder soup on the next level:

Better for You Options

. Lighter Cream: Use half-and-half or plant-based milk, such as almond or oat, in place of the heavy cream to lighten it up.
. Low-Sodium Broth: Instead of losing flavor to get a glug of salt in your broth, replace it with low-sodium chicken broth.
. Vegetable Add-Ins: For added protein and flavor, stir in vegetables such as celery, carrots, or corn.

Changes to your diet

. Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use veggie soup instead. If the smoky flavor is without the meat, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
. Gluten-Free: Ensure that all of the ingredients, including the cheese and broth, are gluten-free.

Adding to the flavor

. Make it even spicier with a touch of chili pepper or hot sauce.
. Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for a more intense flavor.
. Types of Cheese: Use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and other different types of cheese for different flavors.

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