Creamy Apple Cheddar Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, consider sautéing diced onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker, though this is optional. Adding a garnish of fresh herbs like chives or parsley can provide a bright, fresh contrast to the rich and savory notes of the chowder. If a dairy-rich version is preferred, a small amount of heavy cream or sour cream can be stirred in at the very end to enhance the velvety mouthfeel.

Consider the texture of the apples when selecting a variety; tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the savory elements, while sweeter varieties like Gala or Fuji will blend more seamlessly into the overall flavor profile.

If the soup is prepared for a larger group, it can easily be doubled, provided the slow cooker has sufficient capacity. Always ensure there is enough liquid to cover the potatoes during the cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon Chowder: Incorporate one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the onion soup mix before cooking to add a subtle, warming heat to the final dish.
• Cheesy Potato Chowder: Stir in two cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese during the final thirty minutes of cooking to create a thicker, more indulgent, and cheesy flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to reach the desired consistency.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container once the chowder has cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Placing the container directly into the refrigerator will maintain the quality of the ingredients.

The chowder can be stored for up to three days. Note that the potatoes may continue to absorb liquid over time, so the chowder might require a small splash of broth when reheating to achieve the original consistency.

This chowder is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen and improve after resting in the refrigerator overnight. To prepare ahead, follow the cooking steps and allow the chowder to cool completely before storing.

When ready to serve, gently reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the fresh bacon crumbles only at the moment of serving to ensure they remain crisp.

Serving ideas

Serve the chowder in deep, warmed bowls to help retain the heat for longer. A side of crusty bread or toasted baguette slices is the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful, creamy broth. Because the dish is quite hearty, it serves well as a standalone main course, especially when paired with a light, crisp green salad featuring a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheddar and bacon flavors.

For an elevated presentation, place the bowls on larger decorative plates and sprinkle a few extra bacon crumbles and a pinch of fresh herbs around the rim. Ensure that each serving gets a generous portion of the bacon topping.

If serving for a dinner party, consider offering a selection of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on the side, allowing guests to customize the intensity of the cheesy flavor according to their personal preference.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Apple Cheddar Bacon Slow Cooker Chowder

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs diced potatoes
• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 6 slices crisp bacon crumbles

Instructions

1. Place the diced potatoes into the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the diced apples evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle the onion soup mix on top of the apple layer.
2. Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the potatoes are tender.
3. Ladle the hot chowder into individual bowls. Top each serving generously with the prepared crisp bacon crumbles and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

12.5 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.