Slow Cooker Potato Soup

I'm eating this soup as I type, because I can't get enough of it. In fact, while I was taking the photos, the soup's aroma persuaded me to actually sneak a couple bites between shots; I had to refill the bowl and start over!

It's a little ridiculous how easy this is to make, and what's even crazier is how much flavor it has. To be honest, up until the last hour of cooking you'll probably think this recipe isn't turning out right, because it just looks like a watery, clumpy mess. But then you add the cream cheese and it all comes together in a magically delicious way.

When it comes making soup, I usually check the 10-day forecast and plan to make soup on a rainy day. There's nothing quite like filling up the crock-pot in the morning and letting the ingredients mingle together all day long.

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

serves six

about 8 Weight Watcher Points+ per serving

Ingredients:
2 pounds potatoes, diced and peeled
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
28 oz chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
10 oz cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
2 teaspoons ground pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 package (8oz) cream cheese (or Neufchatel)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (garnish)
shredded cheese (garnish)
green onion (garnish)

Directions: 
In a slow cooker, combine the above ingredients except cream cheese and garnishes. Cook on low for 8-10 hour or until potatoes are very soft. One hour before serving, add cream cheese. Stir until blended and continue cooking on "warm." Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve and top with garnishes.

*This even tastes great as leftovers. If the soup is more like mashed potatoes, add a little milk to it before reheating to loosen it up a bit!

Come join the fun at the My Baking Addiction and GoodLife Eats Holiday Recipe Swap sponsored by West Bend.