SLOW COOKER CHEESY BACON POTATO SOUP

Slow Cooker Cheesy Bacon Potato Soup image

Provided by Brenda Downey

Time 7h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 slice bacon
3 c onion, chopped
10 medium potatoes, washed, skinned, and cut into 1 inch squares
2 medium celery stalks, chopped
8 c chicken stock or progresso chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 c all-purpose-flour
3 c half-and-half
16 oz shredded cheddar cheese (or american and cheddar cheese blend)
1 c carrots, diced (optional)

Steps:

1. 1.In a skillet, cook bacon slices over medium heat, turning occasionally, until brown and crispy. Remove bacon from skillet and reserve bacon grease in skillet. 2. Drain cooked bacon on paper towels and then refrigerate for further use as topping. 3. In same skillet (bacon was fried in previously), fry the onion in the remaining bacon grease over medium heat for 4 or 5 minutes, stirring frequently until onion is tender. 4. Spray 6 quart crock pot with cooking spray and add onion, potatoes, celery, carrots (optional), broth, salt, and pepper..stir them together. 5. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6-7 hours. 6. In small bowl, beat flour and half-and-half with wire whisk until well blended and lump free. 7. Stir the flour mixture into the soup. 8. Increase heat setting to HIGH setting, then cover, and cook for another 30 minutes longer or until thickened. 9. Stir in cheese until well melted and crumble bacon and sprinkle it over top. Enjoy!