When it comes to hearty, soul-warming dishes, few can rival a comforting bowl of potato chowder. This creamy concoction, rich with the earthy flavors of potatoes and savory bacon, is a tried-and-true classic that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the Crockpot does most of the work here, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. Slow cookers are a game-changer for busy days, especially when you get to come home to the inviting aroma of creamy potato chowder that’s been simmering away all day.

Perfect for cozy weeknight meals or gatherings where a hungry crowd is involved (we’re looking at you, game day), this easy potato chowder recipe is a winner every time.

Ingredients for Potato Chowder

• Potatoes: You can’t have potato chowder without potatoes, but the kind you reach for is entirely up to you. Classic chowder spuds that hold up well in liquids include waxy Yukon golds, French fingerlings and red bliss potatoes.
• Chicken broth: Canned chicken broth will give this chowder lots of savory deep flavors, but bonus points if you make your own chicken broth or stock. You could also use veggie-based bone broth for a vegetarian chowder.
• Cream of chicken soup: Along with the chicken broth, we used a can of undiluted, condensed cream of chicken soup to give our chowder the perfect creamy consistency.
• Onion: Potatoes and onions are a classic chowder combo. Opt for white or yellow, finely chopped.
• Cream cheese: The secret binder ingredient in this chowder is cream cheese, imparting a velvety, rich-as-can-be texture. You’ll need one package (8 ounces) of cream cheese, cubed and softened.
• Bacon (optional): Is there anything better than potato chowder topped with crumbles of crispy crunchy bacon? No, we think not.
• Chives (optional): Chopped chives add an oniony, herbaceous note to this chowder and taste great sprinkled on top with the crisped-up bacon.

Taste of Home