Creamy Sweet Potato and Bacon Chowder for Slow Cookers Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor of this chowder, consider lightly roasting the cubed sweet potatoes in a hot oven for fifteen minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.

This caramelizes the edges of the potatoes, adding a deeper, nuttier sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon. If you choose to do this, ensure the potatoes are cooled slightly before adding them to the slow cooker to avoid sudden temperature drops.

If you find the chowder is not thick enough after the cooking time, remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to the high setting for an additional thirty minutes.

This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating the flavors and thickening the broth further. Mash a few more potato cubes during this time to help bind the liquid into a more substantial, velvety chowder texture.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon Chowder: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker before cooking. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Herbed Sweet Potato Chowder: Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during the final phase of cooking. These woody herbs complement the sweetness of the potatoes and the smokiness of the bacon.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep 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 overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature, which should take no more than two hours. Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise the temperature of the unit and risk food safety, so allow for this cooling period on the counter first. Once cooled, keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days for the best quality.

This recipe is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.

Serving ideas

Serve this chowder in deep, pre-warmed bowls to help maintain its temperature while eating. A simple garnish of freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra crispy bacon bits can add a nice texture and visual appeal to each bowl.

Because this soup is quite hearty, it pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sweet potatoes and bacon.

For a more complete meal, consider serving the chowder alongside a plate of toasted sourdough bread or crackers. The contrast between the soft, creamy soup and the crunchy bread is highly satisfying. Ensure that each serving gets a generous portion of the bacon bits, as they provide the essential salty contrast to the sweet potatoes, making each spoonful balanced and flavorful.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Sweet Potato and Bacon Chowder for Slow Cookers

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

Ingredients

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 12 oz bacon, chopped
• 1 packet savory vegetable soup seasoning mix
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the base of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped bacon evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the packet of vegetable soup seasoning mix over the top of the bacon and potatoes. Pour the vegetable broth over the entire mixture to ensure everything is well-distributed.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for approximately 4 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the bacon is fully rendered and cooked through. The flavors will meld together during this time, creating a rich and aromatic base for the chowder.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, stir the chowder gently to combine the softened sweet potatoes with the savory broth and bacon. If a thicker consistency is desired, lightly mash a few of the sweet potato cubes against the side of the pot. Serve hot in bowls, ensuring each portion has plenty of bacon garnish.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

8.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

6.5 g

Sugar

9 g

Sodium

780 mg

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