CROCK POT - STYLE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

I found the recipe on food.com. Serves 9-12. I did 1 and 1/2 times it to better suit my family size. 

INGREDIENTS

9 large baking potatoes, peeled, cut in 1/2 -inch cubes
1 1/2 large onion, chopped
6 cups chicken broth
4 1/2 garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)
6 TBSP cup butter
1 TBSP + 1 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cup cream or 1 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4-5 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
12 slices bacon, fried & crumbled
cheese, for sprinkling

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine first seven ingredients in a large crock pot; cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours (potato should be tender).
2. Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened.
3. Stir in cream, cheese and chives.
4. Top with sour cream (if used), sprinkle with bacon and more cheese.