Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of soup, especially when it’s loaded with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is not just any soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is something rich and hearty. With minimal effort, you can whip up this delectable dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds—or maybe even thirds!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that makes meal prep feel effortless while delivering maximum flavor and comfort. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when time is short but hunger is high. The secret? Layering all your favorite ingredients in a slow cooker, letting them mingle and develop complex flavors. It’s undeniably kid-approved too, thanks to the creamy texture and tasty toppings that can be customized to everyone’s liking.

"This soup is my go-to for chilly nights! Everyone in my family loves it, and I love how simple it is to make!" – Sarah T.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a straightforward journey that yields a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll want to gather your ingredients and get everything set up before diving into the cooking. Here’s what you can expect: peel and chop your potatoes, layer them with the other ingredients, and let the magic of the slow cooker do its work. Easy peasy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this cheesy wonder:

• 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

Feel free to swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Directions

Bringing this soup to life couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how to do it:

1. Begin by peeling and dicing your potatoes into even-sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly.
2. In your crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning generously over the potatoes.
4. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the ranch seasoning.
5. Pour the broth over these layered ingredients, making sure the liquid covers them all.
6. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes turn tender and delicious.
7. When ready, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. For a silkier soup, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
8. Serve hot, adorned with optional garnishes such as extra cheese, bacon bits, or finely chopped green onions.

Serving Ideas for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

This rich soup is delightful on its own, but adding a few sides can enhance the experience even more. Consider pairing it with:

• Garlic bread for a crunchy, buttery contrast.
• A simple garden salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
• Crispy tortilla chips for an added crunch and fun texture.

Let your guests add their favorite toppings right at the table for a personal touch!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which can be hard to believe with how delicious this soup is), storing them properly ensures they stay fresh. Here’s how to manage your soup:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this soup can be frozen. Use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Remember to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion!
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If it’s thickened too much, you can add a splash of broth or cream.

Expert Advice

To elevate your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup to the next level, consider these pro tips:

• For a more intense flavor, sauté the bacon bits before adding them to the soup. This will render more fat and flavor into the dish.
• Add chopped garlic or onion to the pot for additional depth.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher after cooking, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it further.

Creative Twists on the Original Recipe

Feel free to experiment a little. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

• Twilight Taco Twist: Add taco seasoning instead of ranch for a spicy kick and top with avocado and jalapeños.
• Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh dill or parsley before serving for a refreshing herbal note.
• Cheesy Broccoli Upgrade: Add chopped broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a nutritious boost.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this take to make?
The cooking time is 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, but the prep work is quick—about 15-20 minutes.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and choose vegan cheese.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make your own using a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar flavor profile.

Overall, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its creamy goodness and customizable toppings, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household too! Enjoy!

Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup

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• Total Time: 260 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A rich and creamy soup loaded with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Peel and dice your potatoes into even-sized pieces.
2. In your crock pot, layer the diced potatoes at the bottom.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning generously over the potatoes.
4. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top of the ranch seasoning.
5. Pour the broth over these layered ingredients, ensuring the liquid covers everything.
6. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
8. Serve hot with garnishes such as extra cheese, bacon bits, or green onions.

Notes

For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry. This soup can also be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: soup, comfort food, slow cooker, cheesy soup, potato soup