Okay, so picture this: it’s a Tuesday night, you’re *exhausted*, and the thought of cooking? Nope. But then… you remember! You prepped this amazing freezer crockpot loaded potato soup a few weeks ago. Talk about a win!
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s total comfort food, creamy and packed with flavor, but the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. Like, dump-it-in-the-crockpot-and-forget-about-it easy. Plus, you can totally meal prep it! I love making a big batch on the weekend so I have it ready to go for those crazy busy weeknights.
There’s just something about potato soup, isn’t there? I remember my grandma making it on snowy days… this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup gives me all those warm, fuzzy feelings, but without all the fuss. Trust me, you NEED this in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience
- Effortless Crockpot Cooking
- Customizable Loaded Toppings
Okay, let’s be real: meal planning can be a pain. But freezing this soup? Total game changer! Just pull it out the night before (or even the morning of!), and you’re golden. No more last-minute dinner stress!
Seriously, does it get any easier than a crockpot? Dump everything in, set it, and forget it! I love that I can get other stuff done while dinner basically cooks itself. No babysitting required!
My favorite part? The toppings! Sour cream, cheese, green onions… but hey, get creative! Add some hot sauce, different cheeses, whatever you’re feeling. It’s *your* soup, make it awesome!
Ingredients for Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing freezer crockpot loaded potato soup. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
Soup Base Ingredients
Okay, for the soup itself, you’ll need: 6 strips of cooked and crumbled bacon (yum!), 32 oz of chicken broth, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 1/4 cup of butter, and 5 cups of peeled and cubed russet potatoes. Got it?
Loaded Toppings
And for the *best* part – the toppings! Grab 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and about 2 green onions, chopped. These are non-negotiable, in my book!
How to Prepare Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Okay, here’s the fun part! Making this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup is seriously a breeze. Just follow these super simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness in no time!
Preparing for the Freezer
First things first, grab a big ol’ bowl. Toss in all your soup ingredients – the bacon, chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion, butter, and potatoes. Mix it all up real good! Then, dump everything into a freezer bag or container. I like using gallon-sized freezer bags ’cause they’re easy to store flat. Squeeze out as much air as possible (this helps prevent freezer burn!) and seal it up tight. Pop it in the freezer, and you’re good to go for up to 3 months!
Cooking from Frozen
Alright, time to get cooking! When you’re ready to eat, just dump the frozen contents straight into your crockpot. No need to thaw! Cook it on low for 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, on high for 4 hours. Don’t worry if it looks like a big frozen block at first, it’ll all melt and get delicious!
Adding the Loaded Toppings
Once the soup’s cooked, give it a little mash with a spoon. I like to leave some chunks of potato for texture, but you do you! Then, load it up with your toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a handful of green onions… perfection! Seriously, this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup is the best!
Tips for the Best Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Want to take your freezer crockpot loaded potato soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make all the difference!
Freezer Storage Tips
Okay, freezer burn is the enemy! Make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible from your freezer bag before sealing it. I even like to wrap the bag in foil for extra protection. Trust me, it helps!
Cooking Time Adjustments
Crockpots can be finicky, right? If your soup’s still a bit chunky after 8 hours on low, just give it another hour or two. And if you’re using high, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Enhancing the Flavor
Want to kick things up a notch? Throw in a bay leaf while it’s cooking! Or, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a little smoky flavor. My personal fave? A dash of hot sauce in my bowl!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for your Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient, or you just wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are some easy swaps for your freezer crockpot loaded potato soup. It’s all about making it work for *you*!
Chicken Broth Alternatives
Don’t have chicken broth? No sweat! Vegetable broth works great, or even just water with a bouillon cube. Honestly, you won’t even notice the difference!
Bacon Substitutions
Not a bacon fan (gasp!)? Or maybe you’re trying to be a little healthier? Turkey bacon is a solid option, or you could even use vegetarian bacon crumbles. Still yummy!
Topping Variations
Okay, the toppings are where you can *really* get creative! Cheddar’s classic, but try some pepper jack for a little kick! Or, swap the green onions for chives. And hey, don’t be afraid to add a dash of hot sauce! I’m telling you, it’s amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing freezer crockpot loaded potato soup… but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal.
Bread and Rolls
Seriously, can you even *have* soup without bread? I’m a sucker for a crusty loaf of bread to dip in all that creamy goodness. Dinner rolls are also a winner! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, garlic bread? Yes, please!
Salad Pairings
Want something a little lighter? A simple green salad is always a good choice. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, a Caesar salad is *chef’s kiss*! The crispness of the lettuce is the perfect contrast to the creamy soup.
Storing and Reheating Your Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
So, you’ve made a big batch of this awesome freezer crockpot loaded potato soup, and you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it tasting amazing, even the next day (or the day after!).
Refrigerator Storage
If you’re planning on eating the leftovers soon, just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days, tops!
Reheating Instructions
Okay, time to reheat! For a quick fix, the microwave works great. Just heat it up in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’ve got a little more time, the stovetop is the way to go! Just heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup
Got questions about this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup? I figured you might! Here are a few of the most common things people ask, so you can make this recipe perfectly every time!
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to toss in some carrots, celery, or even corn! Just add them to the freezer bag with the other soup ingredients. I’d say about a cup or two of chopped veggies would be perfect!
How long can I freeze the soup?
Okay, you *can* technically freeze it for longer, but for the best flavor and texture, I recommend using it within 3 months. After that, it might start to get a little freezer-burned, and nobody wants that!
Can I use a different type of potato?
Sure thing! Russets are my go-to ’cause they get nice and creamy, but Yukon Golds would also be delicious! They’re a bit waxier, so they’ll hold their shape a little better. Just avoid red potatoes, as they don’t get as soft.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey, just a heads-up: nutrition info can vary based on brands and ingredients, so I can’t guarantee exact figures for this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup!
Rate this Freezer Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup!
Hey, did you try this freezer crockpot loaded potato soup? Let me know what you think! Leave a comment, give it a rating, and don’t forget to share it with your friends!
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