Imagine coming home to the smell of a hearty, creamy soup simmering away, ready to wrap you in warmth and comfort. That’s the magic of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. This dish is a combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning, all brought together in a rich, velvety broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
This soup isn’t just comforting—it’s also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this soup is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Diced potatoes (peeled) | 6 cups |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Cooked and crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup |
Ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet |
Chicken or vegetable broth | 4 cups |
Heavy cream (or half-and-half) | 1 cup |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Optional Garnishes
- Extra shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh chives
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Peel the potatoes and dice them into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
- Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of your crock pot.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the potatoes.
3. Add the Broth
- Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients.
- Ensure the liquid covers the potatoes completely.
4. Cook the Soup
- Set your crock pot to low and cook for 7–8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
- The soup is ready for the next step when the potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add the Cream and Blend (Optional)
- Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) for a creamy, rich finish.
- If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the soup to your desired consistency.
6. Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of extra cheese, bacon bits, green onions, or chives.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Layered Flavors
The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory flavor that’s impossible to resist.
2. Effortless Cooking
With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
3. Versatility
This soup is highly customizable—you can adjust the creaminess, spice level, or toppings to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
While Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a satisfying meal on its own, you can pair it with these sides for a complete feast:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Take comfort food to the next level by pairing the soup with a melty, golden-brown grilled cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 10g |
Total Fat | 18g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Cholesterol | 55mg |
Sodium | 900mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 2g |
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Use Russet Potatoes: Russets break down beautifully, creating a creamier texture in the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon: If cooking bacon fresh, cook it until just crispy. Overcooked bacon can become too crunchy when reheated.
- Blend for Creaminess: Blending part of the soup creates a smoother texture while leaving chunks of potatoes for heartiness.
- Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes with a fork or add a slurry of flour and water. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
- Double the Batch: This soup reheats well, so make extra to enjoy throughout the week!
FAQs About Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
1. Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes! Frozen diced potatoes save prep time and work just as well in this recipe.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. When reheating, stir in the cream for a fresh, creamy finish.
4. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, use a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the bacon for smoked paprika, use vegetable broth, and ensure all other ingredients align with your dietary needs.
6. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and loaded with all your favorite ingredients, from tender potatoes to crispy bacon and melty cheese. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a busy week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
So, grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, comforting dish filled with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. Set it and forget it in the slow cooker for a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. - Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Place the diced potatoes at the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. - Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers the potatoes completely. - Cook the Soup:
Set the crock pot to low and cook for 7–8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. - Add the Cream and Blend (Optional):
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) for a creamy finish. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend some or all of the soup for a smoother texture. - Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or fresh chives.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, blend part of the soup but leave some chunks of potatoes for heartiness.
- Use Russet potatoes for the best texture, as they break down beautifully and create a smooth soup.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.
- This soup freezes well, but for best results, freeze before adding the cream. Stir in the cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on the heat setting)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American