Warm up with a bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, a creamy and hearty dish that combines the flavors of cheesy potatoes and savory bacon, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days and is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into your crock pot, set it, and forget it! This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning creates a luscious, flavorful soup that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup is ideal for making in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily, making it great for lunches or quick dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or mixing in vegetables to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, savory flavor profile is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
To make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled: The base of the soup, providing heartiness.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon: Introduces savory, smoky flavors.
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix: Brings a delicious flavor boost to the soup.
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth: Provides the soup’s base and moisture.
- 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Adds creaminess and richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional garnishes: Extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives for topping.
How to Make this Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Combine in the Crock Pot
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: In your slow cooker, combine the diced potatoes, ranch seasoning mix, cooked bacon, and broth. Stir to mix well.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend and Add Cream
- Blend the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion to a blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
Success Tips
- Use Evenly Cut Potatoes: Make sure your potato pieces are cut evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of ranch seasoning and cheese to suit your taste preferences.
- Thicken the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the crock pot before adding the cream and cheese.
Storage
To keep your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth.
Nutrition
Each serving (based on 8 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
(Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes; just add them directly to the crock pot without thawing.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
How Do I Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I Use Low-Fat Dairy?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the soup may not be as creamy.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty potatoes and savory bacon. Perfect for cold weather, this easy-to-make soup is sure to please the whole family. With its rich flavor and comforting texture, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness that’s perfect for any occasion! ✨