Are you looking for a comforting and easy-to-make soup recipe for those chilly nights? Look no further than the Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup recipe. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a warm and satisfying meal without a lot of effort.
With just a few simple ingredients like frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning, you can create a delicious and creamy soup that will warm you up from the inside out. The best part is that you can make it all in your crock pot, so you can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat.
If you’re a fan of potato soup, you’ll love this recipe with its added twist of bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. Plus, with variations and tips, you can customize the recipe to your liking. So grab your crock pot and get ready to make a delicious and comforting bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of diced potatoes, peeled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup of 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
Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2. 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.
3. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the layered ingredients, ensuring that the liquid just covers them.
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.
5. 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.
6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, and chopped green onions or chives, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 8 people
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with some delicious accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to enhance your soup experience:
- Bread: Serve the soup with some freshly baked bread, such as a crusty baguette or a warm slice of sourdough. The bread will help soak up the soup and add a nice texture to each bite.
- Salad: A simple side salad can add some freshness and crunch to your meal. Try a mixed greens salad with some cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect complement to a bowl of soup. Use your favorite cheese and bread to make the sandwich, and grill it until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnishing Tips
Garnishing your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup can add some extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Bacon Bits: Crumble some extra bacon on top of the soup for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Chives: Finely chop some fresh chives and sprinkle them on top of the soup for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Cheese: Shred some extra cheddar cheese and sprinkle it on top of the soup for some extra creaminess.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top of the soup can add some tanginess and richness to each bite.
Overall, there are many ways to enjoy and enhance your Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. Experiment with different accompaniments and garnishes to find your perfect combination.
Storage and Reheating
Once you have made your delicious Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you may have leftovers that you want to store for later. The good news is that this soup stores well in the refrigerator or freezer.
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Leftovers
If you want to freeze your soup, let it cool to room temperature and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to reheat your soup, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the microwave, on the stovetop, or even in the crock pot.
Reheating in the Microwave
To reheat your soup in the microwave, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Reheating on the Stovetop
To reheat your soup on the stovetop, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Reheating in the Crock Pot
To reheat your soup in the crock pot, simply transfer it back to the crock pot and heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to stir your soup occasionally to ensure that it heats evenly. Once your soup is heated through, it’s ready to enjoy again!
Variations and Substitutions
There are many ways to make Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Meat: Instead of bacon, you can use ham, sausage, or even shredded chicken. You can also omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack. You can also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Potatoes: While this recipe calls for frozen hash browns, you can also use fresh potatoes. Simply peel and dice them into small pieces and add them to the crock pot. You can also use sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Seasonings: You can add other seasonings to the soup to enhance the flavor. For example, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You can also use different types of ranch dressing mix to change the flavor profile.
- Creaminess: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. You can also use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Toppings: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings. Some popular options include green onions, chives, shredded cheese, sour cream, and crumbled bacon. You can also add a dollop of hot sauce for some extra heat.
Experiment with these variations and substitutions to create your own unique version of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup. You can also adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for a simple Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup?
To make a simple Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, you will need hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, bacon, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add onions, garlic, and thyme to enhance the flavor.
How long should I cook Crack Potato Soup in the Crock Pot?
Cooking time may vary depending on the temperature setting of your Crock Pot. Generally, you should cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure the potatoes are tender before serving.
Can I use frozen hash browns in my Crock Pot Potato Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen hash browns in your Crock Pot Potato Soup. However, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and prevent any lumps from forming.
What are some tips for making the creamiest potato soup in a slow cooker?
To make the creamiest potato soup in a slow cooker, add softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese about 30 minutes before serving. This will give the soup a creamy and cheesy texture. You can also use heavy cream instead of chicken broth to make the soup even creamier.
How can I thicken my potato soup when cooking in a Crock Pot?
If your potato soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a mixture of cornstarch and water. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the soup. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens.
Which type of potatoes are best to use for slow-cooked potato soup?
Russet potatoes are the best type of potatoes to use for slow-cooked potato soup. They are starchy and hold their shape well when cooked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture. Avoid using red potatoes as they tend to become mushy when cooked for a long time.
