Alright, soup lovers, gather ’round! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s so good, it’s been nicknamed “Crack Potato Soup.” And trust me, it lives up to the hype!
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is creamy, cheesy, bacony, and loaded with flavor. It’s the kind of soup that will warm you up from the inside out and have you going back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to our trusty slow cooker.
Just toss a few simple ingredients into your crock pot, let it simmer away while you go about your day, and come home to a pot of pure comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you need a cozy meal that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
So grab your ingredients, dust off your crock pot, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
- Easy Peasy: This soup practically makes itself! Just throw everything in the crock pot and let it do its thing.
- Flavor Bomb: The combination of potatoes, cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning is pure magic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a potluck with friends, this soup always delivers.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible soup:
- Potatoes: We’re using good old-fashioned potatoes, peeled and diced. Russet potatoes are a great choice, but you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes too.
- Cheddar Cheese: Because every good soup needs a generous amount of cheese! Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, but you can use your favorite kind.
- Bacon: Bacon makes everything better, right? We’re using cooked and crumbled bacon for that smoky, salty goodness.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a burst of flavor that complements the potatoes and cheese perfectly.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The base of our soup. Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup extra creamy and decadent. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup to your liking.
- Optional Garnishes: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some ideas include extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into even-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly in the crock pot.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
In your crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the potatoes. Then, add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients. Make sure the liquid just covers the potatoes and other ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed.
Step 5: Add Cream and Season
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives.
Tips and Tricks
- Potato Power: For a thicker soup, use starchy potatoes like Russets. If you prefer a creamier texture, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
- Bacon Bliss: You can use pre-cooked bacon to save time, or cook your own for extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
How to Serve
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and sopping up every last drop of soup.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances out the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.
Leftovers and Freezing
Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend.
2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply use vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You can also add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer over medium heat until the potatoes are tender.
4. How can I thicken the soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream. You can also use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it further.
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and comforting soup that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, and happy cooking!
PrintCrock Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for cozy days. With rich flavors of bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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 for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: extra cheese, bacon bits, chopped green onions, or chives
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. -
Layer the Ingredients:
In the crock pot, place the diced potatoes at the bottom. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top. -
Add the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them. -
Cook the Soup:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender and easily mashed. -
Add Cream and Season:
Once the potatoes are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency. -
Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- You can add other toppings like sour cream for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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