Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Put all ingredients except the cream cheese and shredded cheese into the slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 7 hours, or until potatoes can mash easily with a fork. Mash with a large fork or potato masher, or pulse with a handheld immersion blender. Stir in softened cream cheese and shredded cheese. When the cheeses have melted completely, serve.
Notes
Tip: Serve this chowder in gluten-free bread bowls. Simply take a store-bought or homemade bread loaf (unsliced) and carve a hole at the top. Scoop out some of the inside of the bread and fill with chowder.