Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a warm and comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Imagine diving into creamy soup loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese—perfect for chilly evenings or any day when you want food that transports you to a cozy café. This recipe not only delivers on flavor, but it also comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, giving you more time to relish moments with family or kick back after a long day.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
There are countless reasons to whip up this crowd-pleaser! First, it’s incredibly versatile—great for a family weeknight dinner, game day gatherings, or even as a hearty starter for your holiday feast. The star of the show? It requires minimal prep and cooks largely unattended, making it a busy parent’s best friend.
“This soup is everything! The cheesy, creamy goodness, combined with the crunch of bacon, is simply irresistible!” — A delighted reader
Beyond its deliciousness, this dish is budget-friendly and allows you to use pantry staples most of us already have on hand. It’s kid-approved and can be jazzed up with fun garnishes, making it appealing to all ages. What’s not to love about that?
How to make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step-by-step overview
Creating this potato soup is a straightforward process that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Let’s dive into the essential steps. You’ll layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, let them meld together over time, and finish off with a touch of cream for that luxurious texture. The best part? You can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to do all the hard work!
Ingredients
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create your delightful soup:
- 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
If you’re short on time, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
Directions
Cooking method
Here’s how to prepare your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup:
- Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- Layer the diced potatoes at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the shredded cheese followed by the crumbled bacon on top of the layered ingredients.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, ensuring the liquid covers all the ingredients.
- Set your crock pot to low, cooking for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend until desired smoothness.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like additional cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions.
How to serve Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Best ways to enjoy it
Plating plays a crucial role in enjoying this deliciousness. Serve your soup in big, warmed bowls to keep it cozy. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. For a fun twist, try serving it in bread bowls! Sprinkle on additional cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a pop of green onions for a gorgeous presentation.
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but may happen), they can be easily stored. Place the cooled soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup in portion-sized containers for up to three months. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or cream to bring back some of that original creaminess.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to elevate your soup:
- Ensure you dice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- If you want an extra kick, add some chili flakes or jalapeños when layering.
- For added creaminess, you can blend in a portion of the soup before serving and leave some diced potatoes for texture.
Variations
Creative twists
Don’t feel limited by this recipe! There are so many ways to customize it. Consider incorporating different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy twist, or sub out the bacon for a vegetarian option using sautéed mushrooms or smoky tofu. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Each variation allows you to explore new flavors while keeping the core of this beloved soup intact.
FAQ
Common questions
What’s the prep time for this soup?
The prep time is minimal! You’ll spend about 15 minutes peeling and dicing the potatoes, with the slow cooker handling the rest.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the bacon, or substitute with a smoky vegetarian alternative.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
With its creamy texture and rich flavors, Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household—making any occasion feel special and satisfying!
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups diced potatoes, peeled Ensure uniform size for even cooking.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Consider different types of cheese for variations.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon Can substitute with smoky vegetarian alternative.
- to taste salt and pepper
Optional Garnishes
- to taste extra cheese
- to taste bacon bits
- to taste chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces.
- Layer the diced potatoes at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the shredded cheese followed by the crumbled bacon on top of the layered ingredients.
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over everything, ensuring the liquid covers all the ingredients.
Cooking
- Set your crock pot to low, cooking for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend until desired smoothness.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like additional cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions.