Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Chowder

Ingredients

• 1 bag O'Brien hash brown potatoes , 28 ounce
• 1 can cream of celery soup , 10.5 ounce
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 package ranch dressing , 1-ounce
• 1 bag bacon bits , 3-ounce
• 1 block cream cheese , 8-ounce
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 greens onions , sliced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Place frozen hash browns, cream of celery soup, broth, ranch packet, and 1/2 cup bacon bits in the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on Low for 4 hours.

2. 2

   Remove lid and mash potatoes to desired consistency (or leave them whole for a thinner chowder). Add cream cheese. Cover and cook for 1 hour more. Season with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Ladle into bowls and garnish with cheese, green onions, and remaining bacon bits.