mimi's loaded potato soup (crockpot version)

Ingredients

• 8 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 quart bone/vegetable broth, homemade
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons bacon fat, rendered
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground pepper
• 1 large idaho garlic parmesan mashed potatoes, instant family size
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cream
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh herb (lemon balm, basil or fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried or fresh
• TOPPINGS
• 1/2 cup bacon, fried and crumbled
• 1 cup sour cream
• green onions, chopped
• grated parmesan cheese